UK retail sales in August were up 1.8% on a like-for-like basis compared with August 2012, while total sales saw a 3.6% increase in the same period, according to the BRC-KPMG's latest Retail Sales Monitor.
The monthly sales monitor revealed that furniture and flooring was the best performing category and enjoyed its best month since March 2010; a welcome change from a disappointing July. Lving and dining room furniture ranges also sold well last month, after the category had been underperforming over the last couple of years. Home accessories was not too far behind, also enjoying a positive month, achieving its second highest growth for the first time since April 2012.

The DIY and gardening category was quieter in August, as most purchases of garden furniture were made in July. There was a good interest in plants, however.

David McCorquodale, head of retail at KPMG, highlighted that consumers are beginning to purchase bigger, non-essential items for their homes. "This is a solid performance by retailers and demonstrates that confidence is slowly but surely returning to the UK's high streets. After suffering from some of the worst sales on record last year, furniture and flooring sales rebounded this month."

On the whole, total retail sales were up by 2% in August this year, compared to August 2012, and were only slightly less than the 3.9% figure from July this year. July's sales figures were the best since 2006. For the period between June and August this year, non-food sales were up 2.1% on a like-for-like basis against the same period last year.

Director general of the BRC, Helen Dickinson, said: "While these figures don't quite reach the lofty heights of what was an exceptional July, they're keeping the good run going and are well above the 12-month average for sales growth.

"Non-food had an impressive month, as retailers answered the continuing cautious optimism with good ranges and appealing promotions. The category's performances both in-store and online measure up well against below par showings in August 2012."

Online sales of non-food products in the UK grew 15% in August versus a year earlier, on a weighted basis, representing its best performance this year. Ms Dickinson added that many people spent less time outside, compared to last year and July this year, and more time browsing and buying end-of-season offers.