UK Retail Sales Growth Hits 5-Month High

2026-02-10 00:16 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

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.



News Stream
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.
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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.”
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