Energy-saving appliances such as air-dryers and air-fryers have been selling well in the last month (Picture: Getty)
Brits are stocking up on blankets and air-fryers in a desperate bid to cut their energy bills this winter.
With wholesale gas and electricity prices rocketing, and inflation increasing at the same time, millions are turning to lower-cost alternatives.
According to the latest survey from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), appliances such as air-dryers and air-fryers have been selling well in the last month.
Meanwhile, households have cut back on electronics such as computers, TVs and furniture as the cost-of-living catastrophe worsens.
The report showed the value of retail sales grew by 2.2% in September, a rise from 0.6% in the same period last year.
But the slight rise masks a much bigger fall in the volume of goods sold, once inflation is accounted for, the trade association said.
Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive of BRC, said: ‘While UK retail sales grew in September, this represented another month of falling sales volumes given high levels of inflation.
The People’s Assembly Against Austerity protest under the title We Will Not Pay For Their Crisis (Picture: Getty)
‘As consumer confidence continued to fall, people shopped cautiously, avoiding large ticket items such as new computers, TVs and furniture.
‘Many households are also preparing for higher energy costs this winter, with blankets, warm clothing, and energy-efficient appliances, such as air dryers and air fryers, all selling well.
‘A difficult winter looms for both retailers and consumers. Costs are increasing throughout retailers’ supply chain, the pound remains weak, interest rates are rising, and a tight labour market is pushing up the cost of hiring.
‘All of this is making it harder for retailers to reduce prices and help struggling households.’
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Ms Dickinson urged the government to provide ‘clarity’ about business rates next year and called for a freeze in the multiplier.
Without this, she stressed that retailers will face an £800 million hike in their bills, which will ‘inevitably put additional pressure on prices’.
Paul Martin, head of retail at KPMG, said that consumers are focusing on getting ‘value for money’ through switching to own brand items and going to where the discounts are.
‘Getting pricing and promotional activity right could be the difference between a successful or dismal Christmas for retailers this year,’ he added.
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‘A difficult winter looms for both retailers and consumers.’