UK high streets suffer worst August sales in three years

Rising inflation and falling wage growth add to woes of traditional retailers

The UK high street has posted its worst August performance for three years, in further evidence of the pressure on traditional retailers.

Underlying sales at physical stores slid 2.7% last month, compared with August 2017, with homewares and fashion taking the biggest hit, according to the latest data from the advisory firm BDO, which monitors mid-sized, non-food chains.