Sales in the UK’s retail sector grew last month as supermarkets, clothing and homeware stores reported stronger trading.

The Office for National Statistics reported that sales rose by 0.4 per cent in August, after a fall of 1.1 per cent in July.

But one business owner in Barrow has claimed the number of people making the decision to visit shops rather than browsing online has not lived up to expectations.

The owner of Sam's Nightwear at Barrow's indoor market said: "The past few weeks have been a real struggle.

"The footfall hasn't been the same and I actually thought that, when the kids went back to school, things would improve."

The Mail: Footfall has dropped at Barrow Market, according to one business ownerFootfall has dropped at Barrow Market, according to one business owner (Image: Google Maps)

Clothing stores around the UK reported a rebound in spending last month with sales up by 2.3 per cent, mostly recovering from a drop of 2.9 per cent in July.

But Sam admitted that the situation in Cumbria was leaving her worried about keeping up with rent.

"I'm scraping cash together to manage to pay that, let alone paying off stock too," she added.

"Fingers crossed things get better as towards the Christmas period is my best time."

According to PA, warmer weather in August lured shoppers back on to the high street, meaning that online shopping dwindled.

The Mail:

Non-store retailers, which predominantly means online stores, reported a 1.3 per cent fall in sales volumes following a rise of 1.9 per cent in July.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Returning consumer confidence helped retail sales regain lost ground after a challenging July.

"The next few months are vital for retailers as they gear up for the all-important Christmas trading."

The value of spending continues to soar above pre-pandemic levels, while volumes have fallen short, meaning people are spending more money but getting fewer items in return.

Erin Brookes, European retail lead at Alvarez & Marsal, explained: “While consumer confidence will no doubt be boosted by news that inflation is slowing, retailers will still need to be laser-focused on delivering value for their customers.

“The cost-of-living crisis will continue to bite as energy bills and mortgage payments weigh on household budgets, meaning savvier shopping into the festive season.”