UK retail sales fell by 0.4% month-over-month in September 2026, reversing the 0.7% gain recorded in August, according to data updated on 23 October 2026. The latest figures suggest that the late-summer boost in consumer spending has faded, with households pulling back after a stronger August.
The comparison is based on month-over-month changes, meaning September’s decline is measured against August 2026, while the earlier 0.7% increase in August was compared with July. The shift from growth to contraction indicates a cooling in retail activity as the third quarter drew to a close, raising questions about the resilience of UK consumer demand heading into the final months of the year.
