UK retail sales volumes rose by 1.8% month-on-month in January 2026, comfortably surpassing market expectations of a 0.2% increase and accelerating from a 0.4% gain in December. It marked the strongest monthly growth since May 2024, as interest rate cuts and easing inflation likely lifted consumer confidence across British shopping districts. It was also the first back-to-back increase in six months, offering a welcome boost to the Labour government’s efforts to revive the economy. Growth was driven by strong demand in non-food stores, particularly for artwork and antiques. Online and mail-order retailers also performed well, with sports supplements and jewellery sales reaching notably high levels. On an annual basis, retail sales volumes climbed to a near four-year high of 4.5%, from a revised 1.9% in December and above the expected 2.8%. Over the three months to January, sales volumes edged up 0.1% compared with the previous three-month period and were 2.6% higher than a year ago. source: Office for National Statistics

Retail Sales in the United Kingdom increased 1.80 percent in January of 2026 over the previous month. Retail Sales MoM in the United Kingdom averaged 0.18 percent from 1996 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 13.50 percent in May of 2020 and a record low of -17.90 percent in April of 2020. This page provides the latest reported value for - United Kingdom Retail Sales MoM - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. United Kingdom Retail Sales MoM - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on March of 2026.

Retail Sales in the United Kingdom increased 1.80 percent in January of 2026 over the previous month. Retail Sales MoM in the United Kingdom is expected to be 0.20 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the United Kingdom Retail Sales MoM is projected to trend around 0.30 percent in 2027, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-01-23 07:00 AM
Retail Sales MoM
Dec 0.4% -0.1% -0.1% -0.2%
2026-02-20 07:00 AM
Retail Sales MoM
Jan 1.8% 0.4% 0.2% 0.2%
2026-03-27 07:00 AM
Retail Sales MoM
Feb 1.8% 0.1%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Consumer Spending 418232.00 417589.00 GBP Million Dec 2025
Disposable Personal Income 439388.00 442292.00 GBP Million Sep 2025
Personal Savings 9.50 10.20 percent Sep 2025
Retail Sales ex Fuel MoM 2.00 0.30 percent Jan 2026
Retail Sales MoM 1.80 0.40 percent Jan 2026
Retail Sales YoY 4.50 1.90 percent Jan 2026


United Kingdom Retail Sales MoM
In the United Kingdom, the Retail sales report provides an aggregated measure of sales of retail goods and services over a specific time period. In the United Kingdom, Retail sales are seasonal, volatile and relatively important to the overall economy.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
1.80 0.40 13.50 -17.90 1996 - 2026 percent Monthly
Constant Prices, SA

News Stream
UK Retail Sales Growth Hits 20-Month High
UK retail sales volumes rose by 1.8% month-on-month in January 2026, comfortably surpassing market expectations of a 0.2% increase and accelerating from a 0.4% gain in December. It marked the strongest monthly growth since May 2024, as interest rate cuts and easing inflation likely lifted consumer confidence across British shopping districts. It was also the first back-to-back increase in six months, offering a welcome boost to the Labour government’s efforts to revive the economy. Growth was driven by strong demand in non-food stores, particularly for artwork and antiques. Online and mail-order retailers also performed well, with sports supplements and jewellery sales reaching notably high levels. On an annual basis, retail sales volumes climbed to a near four-year high of 4.5%, from a revised 1.9% in December and above the expected 2.8%. Over the three months to January, sales volumes edged up 0.1% compared with the previous three-month period and were 2.6% higher than a year ago.
2026-02-20
UK Retail Sales Unexpectedly Rise
UK retail sales volumes rose 0.4% month-on-month in December 2025, defying market expectations and reversing November’s 0.1% decline. Growth was driven by non-store retailers, with online jewellers reporting stronger demand for precious metals amid increased holiday spending. Supermarkets and automotive fuel sales also recorded modest gains, while non-food stores, including department, clothing, household, and other outlets, declined. Internet retailing performed strongly as well, rising 1.8% over the month. On an annual basis, retail sales volumes increased 2.5%, the fastest pace since April, up from a 1.8% rise in November and exceeding expectations of a 1% gain. Over the three months to December, sales volumes fell 0.3% compared with the previous three months but were up 2.1% year-on-year. For the full year, retail trade rose 1.3% in 2025, following a 0.2% increase in 2024, with all major sectors advancing except automotive fuel.
2026-01-23
UK Retail Sales Fall for 2nd Month
UK retail sales volumes inched down 0.1% month-on-month in November 2025, defying market forecasts of a 0.4% rise and following a downwardly revised 0.9% drop in October. This was the second straight month of decline, led by non-store retailers, with online jewelers reporting weaker demand amid stabilizing prices of precious metals. Supermarket sales also fell for the fourth consecutive month, reflecting subdued footfall. These declines were partly offset by a 1% rise in sales of non-food stores. Department stores benefited from extended Black Friday discounting, while footwear and leather goods retailers also posted gains. Additionally, sales of automotive fuel rebounded from October’s fall. On an annual basis, retail sales grew 0.6%, the same pace as in the previous month but missing market expectations of a 0.9% rise. Over the three months to November compared with the three months to August, sales volumes increased 0.6%, and were up 0.7% compared with the same period last year.
2025-12-19