Analysis: August Retail Sales Monitor, sector by sector

Here were take a look in more depth on how categories performed on a total sales basis in the four weeks to August 29, according to the BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor.

Food - up

Food posted its best total sales growth since December 2013. The start of the bank holiday weekend coinciding with pay day is believed to have boosted sales.

Clothing – down  

Cold weather at the start of the month, followed by a muggy end meant consumers were not compelled to try on autumn collections, according to the BRC. The timing of the bank holiday also meant back-to-school sales came later.

Footwear – down  

Footwear also suffered from the timing of the bank holiday and its impact on the back-to-school period. Boots sales were particularly affected by the muggy weather at the end of the month.

Health and beauty – up

The category had the third best growth rate in the month, which the BRC described as a “solid” performance. Slimming products saw strong demand, while men’s shaving products continue to suffer from the trend for beards.

Furniture – down

The category was the worst performing of the month and had its biggest decline since July 2013. A slowdown in big ticket sales hampered its performance.

Home accessories - up

Home accessories posted the best growth of all the home categories in August as retailers saw increased demand for luxury gifts.

House textiles - down

The late bank holiday weekend is believed to have shifted the back-to-university peak later, causing a deficit of sales in August.  

Toys and baby equipment – up

Toys and baby equipment topped the growth ranking table, meaning the category became the fastest-growing one on a three-month and 12-month basis. Nursery items sold strongly in August, helped by several “baby events”, while outdoor toys were reported as stand-out performers.

Household appliances – down

Household appliances’ sluggish performance was attributed to large ticket items competing against spending on holidays and leisure.

Jewellery and watches – up

The category was second best performing in the month, despite a slowdown in the category, compared to July. However the category is not as affected by the late bank holiday weekend.