Food sales increased 8.2% on a total basis over the three months to August, new data reveals.
The latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor shows for the month of August, food was in growth year-on-year.
Sarah Bradbury, Chief Executive at IGD, said: “Despite the disappointing summer weather, August saw food and drink sales recovering some momentum that was lost in July. The progress of the Lionesses in the World Cup brought cheer to consumers and an excuse for get-togethers around game times.
“However, inflation remains the dominant driver of headline growth in the sector and, although lower now than the peaks seen a few months ago, it remains high by historical standards.”
In addition, Total retail sales increased by 4.1% in August, against a growth of 1.0% in August 2022, the data shows. This was above the three-month average growth of 3.6% and in line with the 12-month average growth of 4.1%.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The sales figures reflected the improvement in consumer confidence in August, and retailers hope this general upwards trend will carry on.”
Paul Martin, UK Head of Retail, KPMG, added: “Having survived the pandemic and continuing to battle through the cost-of-living crisis, we are already starting to see the resilience of the sector begin to fade and high street casualties are starting to emerge. Maintaining consumer confidence as we head into the golden quarter will be absolutely vital for some in the sector, who will need a good Christmas in order to continue trading in 2024.”
