In August, the retail sales of 100 major retail enterprises across the country rose by 16.8% year-on-year, but this growth rate was 7.2 percentage points lower than the previous year and marked a 5.3 percentage point drop from July, making it the lowest growth rate so far this year.

Looking at the retail sales data, clothing sales from these large-scale retail enterprises increased by 7.4% year-on-year, showing a slowdown compared to the same period last year by 5.7 percentage points. Since the first half of 2010, the growth rate has been consistently declining, with a slight rebound in July. However, the trend has since stabilized, and the growth rate is now showing a more pronounced slowdown.

The decline in the apparel market during August can be attributed mainly to rising raw material costs, particularly in textiles, which have pushed up prices. The seasonal trend of increasing prices in autumn also contributed to reduced consumer demand. Additionally, the slightly higher temperatures in August further dampened the demand for autumn clothing. Specifically, the sales of men’s shirts dropped by 6.1%, T-shirts fell by 8.8%, and jackets saw a year-on-year decrease of 7.0%.

Experts suggest that the combination of inflationary pressures and shifting weather patterns has created a challenging environment for the retail sector. As consumers become more price-sensitive, retailers may need to adjust their strategies to maintain customer interest and drive sales in the coming months. With the upcoming holiday season approaching, there could still be opportunities for recovery if marketing efforts are well-timed and targeted.