UK data shows consumers stockpiling food ahead of Brexit deadline

A bit more detail on the UK data. We just got :

• UK BRC sales like-for-like for August: -0.5% y/y (expected 0.5%)

Also out was Barclaycard data, which on the surface was not so dire:

• UK consumer spending +1.3% y/y in August

On the BRC (via Reuters) :

• "Greater economic and political uncertainty has driven down consumer demand," BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said. "While the summer weather gave a small boost to food sales, this was cancelled out by a drop in non-food sales."
• fifth fall in the first eight months of 2019

Barclaycard (again, via Reuters):

• A survey commissioned by Barclaycard showed almost one in five respondents was stockpiling everyday items in case of shortages in the future.
• Tinned foods, household supplies and dried goods topped the list of stockpiled products, it said.
• "A weak pound and worries about rising prices are causing concern for many, with Brits looking to better balance their household budgets," Esme Harwood, a Barclaycard director, said. "That said, spending at pubs and restaurants remains robust, suggesting Brits have been making the most of the longer days by relaxing and dining out."