Retail sales rise 0.5% in August as online shopping hits 28.8% of spending

The amount we bought in shops and online rose by 0.5% in August 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). That reversed a 0.5% fall in July, and sales volumes were 2.4% higher than in August 2025.

What we bought

• Food and drink: food stores did well across the summer, and drinks retailers told the ONS that promotions, the hot weather and the World Cup all helped.
• Online: online retailers recovered from a dip in July. Online's share of all retail spending rose to 28.8%, up from 28.4%, and online spending was 10.1% higher than a year earlier.
• Department stores: picked up after stock problems in July.
• Fuel: sales fell over the three months to August, with retailers saying drivers delayed filling their tanks as prices rose.

What this means for you

More of us are shopping online, and retailers are competing hard with promotions. With inflation now at 3.1% and fuel costs rising, that competition is worth using – especially as the run-up to Black Friday and Christmas begins.

Ways to save

• Check for a discount code or cashback offer before you pay online. Many retailers also offer a first-order or newsletter discount.
• Use price history tools and wishlists to see whether a "deal" is really cheaper than usual, rather than buying on the strength of a countdown timer.
• Watch delivery costs: bundling orders to reach a free-delivery threshold, or choosing click and collect, can wipe out a surprise charge at checkout.

Sources: Office for National Statistics, Office for National Statistics (inflation)