The CBI retail sales balance improved to -17 in January 2026 from -44 in December, the strongest reading since April 2025 and well above expectations of -35. The latest survey suggests the severe slowdown seen across UK retailers has moderated, although conditions remain challenging overall. Retailers’ outlook for the month ahead also became less negative, with the expectations balance rising to -30 from -57. Despite the improvement, the CBI cautioned that the rebound is unlikely to last, with sales projected to weaken again next month. The group said low consumer confidence and cautious spending habits continue to restrain demand. source: Confederation of British Industry

Cbi Distributive Trades in the United Kingdom increased to -17 Net Balance in January from -44 Net Balance in December of 2025. Cbi Distributive Trades in the United Kingdom averaged 14.55 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 -55.00 Net Balance in December of 2008. 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 February of 2026.

Cbi Distributive Trades in the United Kingdom increased to -17 Net Balance in January from -44 Net Balance in December of 2025. Cbi Distributive Trades in the United Kingdom is expected to be -35.00 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
2025-12-19 11:00 AM
CBI Distributive Trades
Dec -44 -32 -30 -26
2026-01-22 11:00 AM
CBI Distributive Trades
Jan -17 -44 -35 -57
2026-02-25 11:00 AM
CBI Distributive Trades
Feb -17 -30


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Bank Lending Rate 8.63 8.58 percent Nov 2025
CBI Distributive Trades -17.00 -44.00 Net Balance Jan 2026
GfK Consumer Confidence -16.00 -17.00 points Jan 2026
BoE Consumer Credit 1524.00 2143.00 GBP Million Dec 2025
Consumer Spending 416754.00 415317.00 GBP Million Sep 2025
Disposable Personal Income 439388.00 442292.00 GBP Million Sep 2025
Gasoline Prices 1.77 1.84 USD/Liter Jan 2026
Households Debt to GDP 74.30 74.90 percent of GDP Jun 2025
Net Lending to Individuals MoM 6126.00 6737.00 GBP Million Dec 2025
Personal Savings 9.50 10.20 percent Sep 2025
Retail Sales ex Fuel MoM 0.30 -0.40 percent Dec 2025
Retail Sales MoM 0.40 -0.10 percent Dec 2025
Retail Sales YoY 2.50 1.80 percent Dec 2025


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
-17.00 -44.00 72.00 -55.00 1983 - 2026 Net Balance Monthly
NSA

News Stream
UK Retail Downturn Eases, but Relief Seen as Brief
The CBI retail sales balance improved to -17 in January 2026 from -44 in December, the strongest reading since April 2025 and well above expectations of -35. The latest survey suggests the severe slowdown seen across UK retailers has moderated, although conditions remain challenging overall. Retailers’ outlook for the month ahead also became less negative, with the expectations balance rising to -30 from -57. Despite the improvement, the CBI cautioned that the rebound is unlikely to last, with sales projected to weaken again next month. The group said low consumer confidence and cautious spending habits continue to restrain demand.
2026-01-22
UK Retail Sales Fall to 6-Month Low: CBI
The CBI’s retail sales balance fell to a six-month low of -44 in December 2025 from -32 in November, below market expectations of -30. Retail sales volumes declined at the fastest pace in six months, extending a prolonged downturn that has persisted since mid-2023, with conditions expected to worsen further in January as the balance drops to -57, the weakest outlook since March 2021. Sales were widely judged to be poor for the time of year, underscoring a disappointing Christmas trading period amid fragile consumer confidence. Online sales also slipped back into contraction after two months of growth, while wholesale sales fell at their steepest rate since June 2020. Across the broader distribution sector, including retail, wholesale and motor trades, sales volumes recorded their sharpest decline in more than five years. The survey points to a bleak start to 2026, with firms citing weak demand and high operating costs.
2025-12-19
UK Retail Sector Faces Steep Decline: CBI
The Confederation of British Industry’s retail sales balance fell to –32 in November 2025 from –27 in October, undershooting market expectations of –30. This marked the sharpest drop in confidence in 17 years and signaled a deeper contraction in retail activity, extending a period of weakness that has persisted since mid-2023 ahead of the 26 November annual budget. Retailers expect demand to remain muted heading into December, with sales projected to decline again, though at a slightly slower rate. Business sentiment deteriorated sharply, worsening to its lowest level in 17 years, and firms anticipate their operating conditions will continue to weaken over the coming quarter. Capital expenditure is expected to fall, with investment intentions still depressed by historical standards. Employment also declined, and retailers expect headcount to shrink at a marginally faster pace next month. On the price front, retail selling price inflation eased closer to its long-run average.
2025-11-25