Demand at online jewellers and release of iPhone 17 lead to bigger-than-expected rise in volumes in September
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Sales at UK retailers rose unexpectedly last month to their highest level since July 2022, according to official figures, boosted by tech purchases amid the release of the new iPhone 17 as well as strong online demand for gold.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that retail sales volumes rose by 0.5% in September, the fourth consecutive monthly increase, confounding economists’ forecasts of a 0.2% monthly drop.
Sales of products at computer and telecommunication retailers grew strongly last month. Online sales climbed for the eighth consecutive month, helped by internet jewellers who reported strong demand for gold as the safe haven commodity enjoyed its biggest rally since the 1970s amid global uncertainty.
