UK Clothing & Footwear Sector Report summary
September 2024
Period covered: Period covered: 28 July – 24 August 2024
3 minute read
Note: This report summary is one or two months behind the current month as standard reporting practice. The content is indicative only and incomplete with certain data undisclosed. Become a member to access this data or take out a free 30 day membership trial now.
Clothing & Footwear Sales
Clothing sales fell by xx% YoY, while Footwear sales rose xx% YoY in July, according to the Retail Economics Retail Sales Index (value, non-seasonally adjusted).
Clothing remained on a downward trend, with sales now falling for xx consecutive quarters.
While weather across the month was mixed, a mini heatwave in the middle of August helped to boost footfall and support seasonal sales.
Clothing & Footwear sales’ performance in August reflects several upside (+) and downside (-) factors including:
Summer holidays (-/+): Consumers have prioritised spending on foreign holidays over other categories all year – however, some parts of the clothing and footwear sector benefited as shoppers stocked up on holiday items.
Mini heatwave (+): The UK experienced a mini-heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 34°C in London and southeast England, followed by thunderstorms.
Taylor Swift concerts (+): Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Wembley Stadium concerts took place from August 15 to 20. Footfall in London spiked xx% YoY. Over 1.2 million attended her UK concerts over the summer, contributing an estimated £1 billion boost to the economy (Barclays).
Far right riots (-): Protests triggered by the Southport stabbings in early August escalated into riots and looting in several UK towns and cities. These disturbances negatively affected high street footfall, with a 4.8% drop in traffic during peak periods compared to the previous year (MRI Software). Many shops and small businesses in city centres, closed early amid fears of theft and vandalism, with Shoe Zone among those with damaged stores during the disorder.
Back to school prep (+): In late August, household spending increased in preparation for the return to school and university. This provided a boost to retail categories including footwear, as families geared up for the new academic year.
Take out a FREE 30 day membership trial to read the full report.
Toughest trading conditions in clothing and footwear for 40 years
Source: Retail Economics, ONS
