(Sharecast News) - Retail sales jumped in the last quarter, official data showed on Friday, boosted by strong demand for summer clothing and gold jewellery.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the quantity of goods bought was estimated to have risen 0.9% in the three months to September, the highest level since summer 2022.

The ONS attributed much of the growth to strong demand for summer clothing, thanks to fine weather in July and August.

However, September was also stronger-than-expected.

Sales volumes rose by 0.5% - well ahead of forecasts for a 0.2% dip - following an upwardly revised 0.6% increase in August.

Sales volumes of computer and telecommunications goods were notably higher during the month, while online jewellers reported strong demand for gold.

Year-on-year, sales rallied 1.5% in September, easily beating expectations for a 0.4% improvement.

Hannah Finselbach, senior statistician at the ONS, said of the wider quarter: "Although food stores saw very little growth, good weather in July and August boosted sales of clothing, while online retailing also did well."

Year-on-year, quarterly volumes rose 1%.

• News Channel