UK fashion sales slide as women spend on gym and restaurants

Clothing sales to fall for second consecutive year after shift to 'experience economy'

Fashion sales are in retreat across the UK as clothing purchases come under pressure from tight household finances and the lure of the gym, restaurants and entertainment.

The volume of clothing sold is expected to fall for the second successive year, declining by 0.5% in 2018 after a fall of 0.8% the year before, as the recent woes of Marks & Spencer are reflected across the high street.

Related: High street gloom: which chains are feeling the pain?