Retail Sector Records Strongest Growth in 6 Months

A back-to-school boost for retail sales has contributed to the sector’s strongest growth in six months, with household budgets slightly less constrained compared to last year, new figures suggest. September saw Britons rushing to update their wardrobes with coats and boots, as well as clothing for the new academic year. This contributed a surge in total retail sales by 2.0 percent on the year, according to data by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Sales growth was slightly lower than in the same period last year (2.7 percent), but above the 12-month average growth of 1.1 percent. The cold and wet September weather sped up purchases of seasonal clothing. Britons returning from summer holidays shopped for “extra layers and wet weather gear,” said UK head of consumer, retail, and leisure at KPMG, Linda Ellett....