Data from Kantar revealed that, although take-home grocery sales increased 10.8% over the 12 weeks to September 6, growth slowed to 8% in August. That marked the slowest four-week growth in grocery spending since April. 

Sales of beer and wine were particularly dented, dropping 10% and 5% respectively. 

But as consumers began to dine out with friends again, the amount spent on hair styling lines jumped 17%, sales of hair removal products were up 11%, and deodorants climbed 3%.