UK Retail Sales Growth Above Forecasts in August

2025-09-08 23:41 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

UK retail sales rose 2.9% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis in August 2025, accelerating from July’s 1.8% gain and beating market forecasts of 2%.

This marked the strongest growth in four months, supported by warmer weather that boosted demand for food, furniture and back-to-school goods.

However, much of the rise reflected higher food prices rather than stronger volumes.

Food sales jumped 4.7% compared with a 1.8% increase for non-food categories, highlighting the continued impact of inflation on household spending patterns.

Online sales also gained modestly, suggesting consumers remain cautious in discretionary purchases.

The BRC noted that while August’s figures were encouraging, retailers are still wary of subdued consumer confidence ahead of the key Christmas trading period.

The sector faces ongoing challenges from elevated borrowing costs, higher energy bills, and uncertainty over the government’s upcoming November budget.



News Stream
UK Retail Sales Below Forecasts in February
UK retail sales rose 0.7% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis in February 2026, falling short of market expectations for a 2.4% gain as wet weather dampened shopping activity. The February figure also slowed sharply from a 2.3% rise in January, marking the weakest growth in nine months. Food sales increased 2.9% in February, below the 12-month average of 3.8%, while non-food sales fell 0.4%, compared with an average 1% growth over the past year. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “February’s grey, wet weather hit retail sales hard. Spending was weak across most categories, online and in-store, as households pulled back after Christmas and January’s rebound.” She added that the conflict in the Middle East is likely to further weigh on consumer sentiment. However, Valentine’s Day provided a small bright spot, with jewellery, watches, and perfume performing better as consumers still treated loved ones.
2026-03-10
UK Retail Sales Growth Hits 5-Month High
UK retail sales rose 2.3% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis in January 2026, accelerating from a 1% increase in December and marking the fastest pace of growth since August, as shoppers who held back during the holiday season returned in force. The outturn also beat market expectations of a 1.2% rise, reinforcing signs of improving economic momentum after the late-2025 slowdown. Non-food sales climbed 1.7% from a year earlier, exceeding the 12-month average of 1.1%, while food sales increased 3.8%, broadly in line with the 12-month average. Commenting on the data, BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said a “drab December gave way to a brighter January as retail sales picked up pace,” noting that many consumers postponed Christmas spending and waited for January discounts. She added that in-store sales recorded their strongest growth in more than six months.
2026-02-10
UK Retail Sales Growth Hits 7-Month Low
UK retail sales rose 1% year on year on a like-for-like basis in December 2025, the weakest pace in seven months as households reined in holiday spending amid persistent cost pressures. The reading was sharply below the 3.1% increase recorded in December 2024 but exceeded market expectations for a 0.6% gain. Non-food sales slipped 0.3% on the month, well under the 12 month average growth of 1.1%, while food sales climbed 3.1%, reflecting higher prices but also trailing the 12 month average of 3.7%. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “It was a drab Christmas for retailers, as sales growth slowed for the fourth consecutive month.” She added: “Many shoppers were clearly waiting for discounts, with the final week seeing a notable uplift driven by Boxing Day and the start of the January sales.”
2026-01-13