The CBI’s headline sales balance fell to -48 in August 2026 from -26 in July, well below market expectations of -24. Retailers reported significantly lower sales volumes, while the broader distribution sector also faced subdued trading conditions. The deterioration weighed on hiring and investment plans, although retailers expect some improvement in September, with sales expectations rising to -22, the strongest outlook since March. Sales for the time of year also declined, reaching -26 from -18 in July. The CBI’s quarterly business situation balance weakened to -29 from -15 in May, highlighting continued pressure on the sector. However, investment intentions improved considerably to -16 from -52 in May, their strongest level since February 2024. Employment trends also showed some resilience, with retailers cutting jobs at the slowest pace since November 2025. source: Confederation of British Industry

Cbi Distributive Trades in the United Kingdom decreased to -48 Net Balance in August from -26 Net Balance in July of 2026. Cbi Distributive Trades in the United Kingdom averaged 13.71 Net Balance from 1983 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 72.00 Net Balance in July of 1984 and a record low of -68.00 Net Balance in April of 2026. This page provides - United Kingdom CBI Distributive Trades- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. United Kingdom CBI Distributive Trades - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on August of 2026.

Cbi Distributive Trades in the United Kingdom decreased to -48 Net Balance in August from -26 Net Balance in July of 2026. Cbi Distributive Trades in the United Kingdom is expected to be -22.00 Net Balance by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the United Kingdom CBI Distributive Trades is projected to trend around 8.00 Net Balance in 2027 and 12.00 Net Balance in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-07-27 10:00 AM
CBI Distributive Trades
Jul -26 -54 -45 -45
2026-08-26 10:00 AM
CBI Distributive Trades
Aug -48 -26 -24 -21
2026-09-25 10:00 AM
CBI Distributive Trades
Sep -48 -22


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Bank Lending Rate 9.03 8.99 percent Jun 2026
CBI Distributive Trades -48.00 -26.00 Net Balance Aug 2026
GfK Consumer Confidence -14.00 -17.00 points Aug 2026
BoE Consumer Credit 1807.00 1723.00 GBP Million Jun 2026
Consumer Spending 420380.00 419235.00 GBP Million Jun 2026
Disposable Personal Income 438073.00 441556.00 GBP Million Mar 2026
Gasoline Prices 2.19 2.10 USD/Liter Aug 2026
Households Debt to GDP 73.60 73.70 percent of GDP Dec 2025
Net Lending to Individuals MoM 9533.00 4991.00 GBP Million Jun 2026
Personal Savings 8.90 9.60 percent Mar 2026
Retail Sales ex Fuel MoM 2.30 5.00 percent Jul 2026
Retail Sales MoM -0.50 0.70 percent Jul 2026
Retail Sales YoY 1.60 3.80 percent Jul 2026


United Kingdom CBI Distributive Trades
The Confederation of British Industry's (CBI) monthly retail sales balance is a gauge of retail sales versus a year ago. The reading is compiled from a survey of about 150 retail and wholesale companies. It includes measures of sales activity across the distributive trades. It is a leading indicator of consumer spending. The figure is the difference between the percentage of retailers reporting an increase in sales and those reporting a decrease.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
-48.00 -26.00 72.00 -68.00 1983 - 2026 Net Balance Monthly
NSA

News Stream
UK Retail Activity Slumps in August: CBI
The CBI’s headline sales balance fell to -48 in August 2026 from -26 in July, well below market expectations of -24. Retailers reported significantly lower sales volumes, while the broader distribution sector also faced subdued trading conditions. The deterioration weighed on hiring and investment plans, although retailers expect some improvement in September, with sales expectations rising to -22, the strongest outlook since March. Sales for the time of year also declined, reaching -26 from -18 in July. The CBI’s quarterly business situation balance weakened to -29 from -15 in May, highlighting continued pressure on the sector. However, investment intentions improved considerably to -16 from -52 in May, their strongest level since February 2024. Employment trends also showed some resilience, with retailers cutting jobs at the slowest pace since November 2025.
2026-08-26
UK Retail Sales Fall The Least Since January
The CBI retail sales balance improved to -26 in July 2026 from -54 in June, well above market expectations of -45, signaling the smallest decline in UK retail sales in six months. Although sales remained lower than a year earlier, retailers said the pace of the downturn had eased, while sales for the time of year were judged to be below seasonal norms by the smallest margin since February. The CBI said the sector continues to face headwinds from weak consumer confidence and elevated cost pressures, leaving the outlook subdued. Looking ahead, retailers' expectations for August improved to -26 from -45, the strongest reading since March. The CBI urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government to support high-street retailers through lower property taxes, address rising labour costs, and preserve hiring flexibility as employment reforms are finalized. Meanwhile, wholesalers reported broadly unchanged sales volumes for the first time in more than two years.
2026-07-27
UK Retail Sales Slump Deepens in June: CBI
The CBI retail sales balance plummeted to -54 in June 2026 from -46 in May, missing market forecasts of -41. Retailers reported a downcast start to the summer as depressed consumer sentiment and climbing cost pressures caused sales to fall significantly below seasonal norms. The annual sales decline was reflected across the broader distribution sector, with wholesale volumes also contracting by 20%. While online sales remained flat at 0% after a previous 11% gain, internet sales are projected to rebound strongly next month by 37%. However, overall retail, wholesale, and total distribution sales are expected to face ongoing contraction into July. CBI Lead Economist Martin Sartorius emphasized that businesses require clarity and structural reforms, particularly regarding business rates and energy costs, to stimulate economic growth as the government transitions to a new Prime Minister.
2026-06-25