Report Summary

Period covered: 27 August - 30 September 2023

3 minute read

Note: This report summary is one or two months behind the current month as standard reporting practice. The content is indicative only and incomplete with certain data undisclosed. Become a member to access this data or take out a free 30 day membership trial now.

Health & Beauty Sales

Health & Beauty sales increased by xx% YoY in September, against a xx% rise a year ago, according to the Retail Economics Retail Sales Index (value, non-seasonally adjusted).

Growth was broadly unchanged from the previous month and above the three-month average (xx%).

Performance was influenced by several key drivers:

Record temperatures: A heatwave in the first half of the month brought sunny and dry conditions and the most significant spell of warm weather since June.

During 4th to 10th September temperatures exceeded 30 degrees across the UK leading to the joint-warmest September (with 2006) on record according to the Met Office.

Summer travel: The unexpected warm weather spurred on some consumers to make last-minute staycation bookings.

Record pay growth: Latest data on earnings growth showed annual regular pay rises were broadly in line with record highs, rising by 7.8% in the three months to August 2023, outpacing inflation.

Inflation: Headline inflation remained at 6.7% in September as fuel prices stepped up once more. However, items within the Health and Beauty category continued to experience double-digit annual inflation rates (ONS) including household staples such as liquid soap (17%) and deodorant (12%).

Weather boost

Consumers made the most of September’s heatwave, socialising with friends and family.

As consumers spent more time outdoors, spending on sun care products more than double across the month according to Kantar.

Leisure spending also improvement with sales at Bars, Pubs & Clubs rising by xx% YoY in September, improving on the previous month (Barclaycard). Hotels, Resorts & Accommodation (xx%) also reported its highest annual growth rate since March as the warmer conditions encouraged last-minute bookings.

Take out a FREE 30 day membership trial to read the full report.

Thinking about your spending on non-essential items over the next three months, which statement best describes your intentions?