From autumn chill to retail thrill, UK shoppers are warming up to spending, breathing new life into a sector that's been left out in the cold. The latest figures from the BRC reveal an unexpected acceleration in sales growth, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the economic gloom. Given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, these figures suggest a resilience in spending that many had not anticipated, signalling a turning point for an industry facing significant headwinds.

However, concerns about consumer confidence linger, as while consumers are willing to spend on seasonal necessities, they remain hesitant about making larger financial commitments. Consequently, the public’s response to the upcoming ‘painful’ Budget could significantly impact retail performance in the crucial pre-Christmas period. Furthermore, this stonking retail sales data presents a conundrum for the BoE, as while inflation has begun to stabilise, this increase in spending could reignite inflationary pressures.