UK retail sales continue to slide - CBI
By Abigail Townsend
Date: Thursday 25 Sep 2025
(Sharecast News) - The UK retail sector continued to struggle in September, an industry survey showed on Thursday, as sales fell for the twelfth month in a row.
According to the latest Distributive Trades Survey from the Confederation of British Industry, retail sales volumes fell in the year to September at a similarly strong pace to that in August.
September's weighted balance was -29, compared to -32 a month earlier. Analysts had been hoping for a larger improvement, to -26.
The weighted balance is the difference between firms reporting an increase and those seeing a decrease.
Sales for the time of year were also judged to be poor, with a balance of -13, although that was an improvement on August's -19.
The survey also flagged an ongoing slowdown in orders placed with suppliers, with a balance of -36.
Looking ahead, retailers said they expected to continue cutting back on orders next month, as sales volumes were likely to continue falling.
The retail sector is facing a raft of headwinds, including higher costs - following rises to employer's National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage - sticky inflation, US tariffs and poor consumer sentiment.
Martin Sartorius, principal economist at the CBI, said: "Weak demand continues to weigh on sales, while US tariffs are adding pressure for some retailers. Lacklustre economic conditions are also affecting the wider distribution sector, with wholesalers and motor traders seeing fast sales declines.
"As we approach the autumn Budget, retailers and other distribution firms will want the chancellor to deliver certainty and restore confidence to businesses and consumers alike."
The survey, which was carried out between 28 August and 15 September, was based on 150 responses from 62 retailers and 71 wholesalers.
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