UK retail sales growth slowed in August 2026 as the boost from record-hot weather earlier in the summer faded. Like-for-like sales increased 0.5% year on year, down from 1% in July, while total retail sales growth eased to 0.7% from 1.3%, a four-month low. Food sales rose 2.6%, compared with 3.8% in July, while non-food sales fell 0.8% after a 0.7% decline the previous month. The British Retail Consortium said earlier higher temperatures had brought forward summer purchases, while shoppers favored cheaper health and beauty products over furniture and household appliances. Its figures cover major retailers' sales from August 2 to August 29 and are not adjusted for inflation. Official retail data showed volume growth slowed to 1.6% in July from 3.8% in June. Barclays reported overall consumer spending rose 2.1% in August, versus 2.0% in July, while consumer confidence fell to 26% from July's 21-month high of 30%.