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.”

UK retail sales rose 1.2% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis in November 2025, the slowest pace in six months as consumers cautiously awaited finance minister Rachel Reeves’ budget and Black Friday sales underwhelmed. Food sales growth eased to 3.0% from 3.5% in October, though still above the 2.2% increase recorded in November 2024. Non-food sales inched up 0.1% for a second month, a sharp improvement from the 7.9% decline seen a year earlier. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Pre-budget jitters among shoppers meant the month of Black Friday did not deliver as strongly as retailers had hoped or the economy needed. Sales growth was the weakest in six months, despite the elevated inflation. Not unexpectedly, online dominated, with the proportion of non-food bought online reaching its highest level since 2022.”

UK retail sales rose 1.5% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis in October 2025, easing from 2% in September to the weakest pace in five months as consumers delayed purchases ahead of Black Friday and potential budget tax hikes. Food sales growth slowed to 3.5% from 4.3% as households began saving for the holidays, while non-food sales inched up just 0.1% amid mild weather and anticipation of Black Friday discounts on November 28. Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, said retailers are relying on Black Friday for a crucial boost, warning that looming fiscal decisions could dampen already fragile consumer sentiment. She noted that many shoppers postponed buying toys, electronics, and clothing until deals and colder weather arrive, though furniture and homeware performed better as people prepared for festive gatherings.