The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales volumes fell by 0.4% in September, compared with the previous month.

It was a steeper drop than expected, with economists having predicted a decline of 0.1% for the month.

It followed a 0.7% increase in August and a 0.4% fall in July.

These were both revised upwards in the latest figures, improving from a 0.5% estimated rise for August and a predicted 0.5% decline in July.

The ONS added that the volume of products bought from retailers was up 0.7% for the third quarter of 2026, compared with the previous three-month period.

ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach said: “Retail sales grew in the latest quarter with growth led by motor fuel which, despite recent price increases at the pump, have now returned to monthly sales levels last seen before the start of the conflict in the Middle East.

“Food and drink sales also contributed to growth in the quarter, partly helped by the warm weather and the World Cup, although they fell back slightly in September.”