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17 Oct 2025

A shocking 83% of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, whilst the vast majority of crimes now go unreported due to lack of police response, according to ACT parent...

14 Oct 2025

ACT member Cyclo Monster has been recognised by local media for its commitment to keeping Derby’s cycling scene independent, community-focused and thriving.

10 Oct 2025

Cycling experts have shared their top tips in a new Guardian feature revealing how simple maintenance habits can extend the life of a bike and save riders from costly repairs.

9 Oct 2025

More people cycled than drove during a rush hour morning in Glasgow, according to new traffic data from Cycling Scotland.

2 Oct 2025

More than one in four Londoners say they are now more likely to consider cycling following Tube strikes in the capital in September, with many using e-bikes for transportation during the...

2 Oct 2025

The British Transport Police (BTP) has confirmed it will not investigate thefts of bicycles left outside train stations if the bike has been unattended for more than two hours, a policy critics...

1 Oct 2025

The Government is preparing to introduce new offences for cyclists who cause death or serious injury through dangerous or careless riding, with penalties brought in line with those faced by...

30 Sep 2025

Families took to the streets of Brighton and Hove for a mass bike ride to support a call  for safer, connected cycle routes and encouraging more people to take up cycling.

29 Sep 2025

Bira has welcomed the Government's announcement of a £5 billion Pride in Place programme, saying it will provide the kind of support high street businesses need to thrive.

24 Sep 2025

An independent Scottish cycling retailer is celebrating 20 years in business this month with a prize draw and ‘celebratory cupcakes’ during an event at the shop.

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UK retail sales growth at its lowest since Covid-19 lockdowns ended

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Britain’s retailers in September saw their sales grow by the slowest rate since shops reopened after the end of Covid-19 lockdowns, as consumers cut spending in the face of rising energy costs and inflation.

Retail sales increased by 2.8% in September, compared with a 3.6% rise in August, according to BDO's High Street Sales Tracker.

Retail sales

"The actual performance for retailers may be even worse than these results suggest. With rising inflation, data suggests that the actual volume of sales is down significantly while it is higher prices that is driving the growth," said Sophie Michael, BDO's head of retail and wholesale.

Sales peaked at 4.9% in the second week of September and then fell to 1.3% in the third and fourth weeks.

Fashion sales rose 6.7%, while lifestyle sales increased by just 1.2%.

The homewares sector had a disappointing month with sales declining by 6.3%, reflecting belt-tightening by consumers after they spent significant sums improving their homes during the pandemic.

"While the overall like-for-like is not quite going backwards across all discretionary spending categories, it's clear that it's trending downwards,” said Michael.

"In addition, with the pound's current level against the US dollar and euro, retailers that rely on imports are paying more for their products, eating into already slim margins.

"The one bright spot is that with the pound's weakness, the UK becomes an attractive destination for overseas tourists doing their Christmas shopping. However, this is unlikely to provide much of a boost to retailers beyond flagship stores in major cities.”

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