UK retail sales were slightly weaker than expected in September but shoppers continued to show no sign of Brexit caution, new figures suggest today.
There was no change in the quantity consumers bought in September compared with August, missing expectations of a 0.2% increase, Office for National Statistics figures show.
Sales grew by 4.1% on the same time last year, which was also weaker than expected.
The ONS said rising prices and an "unusually warm" September hit demand for autumn and winter clothing.
"The underlying trend is one of strength, suggesting consumer confidence has remained steady since June's referendum," the ONS said.
The amount spent online increased by 22% compared with September last year and by 2.8% compared with August this year.
Analysts said that while the public enjoyed the Indian summer, it was not so popular with fashion retailers who were trying to push their autumn and winter lines.
However, they added that those with a good web business may have benefited from overseas traffic due to the weaker pound.
