According to the UK National Statistical Office (ONS), retail sales in August increased 0.8% from the previous month. This is the lowest growth rate for the last 4 months. In annual terms, sales increased by 2.8%. Analysts predicted the growth of the first indicator by 0.7%, and the second – by 3%. Sales in August increased 4% compared to February, the level before the COVID-19 pandemic. Including online sales are now almost 47% higher than the pre-coronavirus volume. Last month, UK retail sales, excluding motor fuel, rose 0.6% MoM and 4.3% YoY. Experts had expected a rise of 0.4% and 4.2%, respectively.
