UK CBI Retail Sales Gauge Improves More than Expected

2026-10-26 11:18 By Agna Gabriel 1 min. read

The CBI retail sales balance improved to -10 in November 2026 from -55 in October, the highest since April 2025 and above market expectations of -47.

Retailers reported the smallest annual decline in sales in 18 months, while sales relative to the time of year were the strongest since May 2024.

Expectations for November sales also improved, with the balance rising to -10 from -37, while the supplier orders balance recovered to -36 in October from September’s record low of -62.

Despite these signs of stabilisation, the CBI warned that the outlook remained fragile amid cautious household spending and higher fuel costs.

The organisation urged Finance Minister John Healey to reduce employers’ social security contributions and property taxes in Wednesday’s budget.

The improvement contrasts with recent indicators showing annual retail sales growth slowing to 0.8% in September from 2.7% in August, while GfK consumer confidence recorded its steepest decline since the pandemic in October.



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UK CBI Retail Sales Gauge Improves More than Expected
The CBI retail sales balance improved to -10 in November 2026 from -55 in October, the highest since April 2025 and above market expectations of -47. Retailers reported the smallest annual decline in sales in 18 months, while sales relative to the time of year were the strongest since May 2024. Expectations for November sales also improved, with the balance rising to -10 from -37, while the supplier orders balance recovered to -36 in October from September’s record low of -62. Despite these signs of stabilisation, the CBI warned that the outlook remained fragile amid cautious household spending and higher fuel costs. The organisation urged Finance Minister John Healey to reduce employers’ social security contributions and property taxes in Wednesday’s budget. The improvement contrasts with recent indicators showing annual retail sales growth slowing to 0.8% in September from 2.7% in August, while GfK consumer confidence recorded its steepest decline since the pandemic in October.
2026-10-26
UK Retail Sales Worse than Expected: CBI
The CBI retail sales balance fell to -55 in September 2026 from -48 in August, the lowest in five months and missing market forecasts of -50. Retailers reported a sharper annual decline in sales, with sales judged increasingly poor for the time of year as weak consumer sentiment weighed on demand. Online retail sales dropped to -68 from -43, the fastest decline since October 2023. Retail orders placed with suppliers also plunged to -62 from -29, marking the steepest fall since the survey began in 1983, suggesting retailers are responding to weaker demand by cutting purchases. Total distribution sales, including wholesale and motor trades, declined faster, with the balance falling to -36 from -27. Looking ahead, retailers expect sales to fall at a slower but still rapid pace in October, while online sales and supplier orders are forecast to remain deeply negative. Stock levels relative to expected sales remained below their long-run average.
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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