Clothing and footwear sales rise in August as online spending falls

Sales at textile, clothing and footwear stores rose in August, despite online sales in the category declining, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Overall sales at textile, clothing and footwear stores increased 1.1 percent month-on-month in August and rose 0.6 percent over the three months to August, compared with the three months to May.

However, online sales for the category moved in the opposite direction, falling 2.5 percent on a monthly basis and declining 3.5 percent over the three-month period.

The figures come as overall retail sales volumes rose 0.5 percent in August, following a 0.5 percent fall in July. Volumes were up 0.9 percent over the three months to August and 2.4 percent compared with August 2025.

Across all retail categories, monthly online spending rose 2.5 percent and was 1.9 percent higher over the three months. Online spending was also 10.1 percent higher than in the three months to August 2025.

In a statement, Erin Brookes, European retail and consumer lead at Alvarez & Marsal, said August’s rise in retail sales marked a “positive end to an unpredictable summer”, with extreme weather driving shifts in consumer behaviour.

“The figures suggest improving consumer confidence may be translating into spending, while a traditional back-to-school boost helped lift sales, including across department stores and non-store retailers,” she added.

Brookes noted that retailers would be looking to maintain consumer spending as the Golden Quarter approaches, while managing pressure on operating costs.