UK retail sales down in September

By Gokhan Ergocun

ISTANBUL (AA) – Retail sales in the UK unexpectedly dropped by 1.4% month-on-month in September, the British statistical authority said on Friday.

Sales volumes were 1.3% below the pre-coronavirus levels, February 2020, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

On a yearly basis, retail sales posted a decline of 6.9% in September.

"While retailers continue to mention the effect of rising prices and the cost of living on sales volumes, data for September 2022 are also affected by the bank holiday for the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, when many retailers closed," the ONS said.