UK retail sales volumes fell 0.4% month-on-month in September 2026, more than the expected 0.1% decline, following an upwardly revised 0.7% rise in August. The drop reflected weaker demand for autumn and winter clothing ranges amid unseasonably warm weather, alongside lower footfall and consumer cutbacks that weighed on non-food retailers. Online clothing sales weakened, while supermarket sales declined after increasing in July and August. Non-food store sales volumes dropped 0.4%, with clothing and footwear, sports equipment and household goods retailers recording declines. In contrast, automotive fuel sales rose despite higher prices. Over the third quarter, retail sales volumes increased 0.7% from the previous quarter and 1.5% year-on-year, supported by higher fuel and food store sales, warm weather, and stronger sales of alcohol and beverages linked to promotions and the World Cup. Annually, retail sales volumes rose 0.8% in September.