Online fashion surge fuels UK retail recovery

The UK retail sector has recorded a strong rebound this week, with total like-for-like (LFL) sales rising by 5.25%, reversing a previous decline of 3.30% in the same period last year.

The fashion segment was the principal driver of this uplift, posting an 8.27% increase in LFL sales. This marks its fourth consecutive week of growth and underscores the significant role of apparel in the broader retail recovery.

Within fashion retail, online (non-store) sales led the charge, climbing by 9.68%. This strong performance contributed to an overall 8.30% rise in non-store LFL sales, offsetting a weak base of -5.54% from last year.

Physical store fashion sales also turned positive, rising 4.78%. This came despite a 1.4% drop in overall footfall—driven mainly by a 4.7% decline on high streets—while shopping centres and retail parks recorded increased traffic of 2.1% each.

Analysts suggest the pattern reflects shifting consumer behaviour: while high-street visits remain under pressure, targeted shopping trips to less crowded destinations, coupled with growing online purchases, are supporting fashion retailers.

The sustained strength of online fashion over four consecutive weeks signals that digital channels are now firmly driving clothing and accessory sales, even amid typical late-October weather in the UK.