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.

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.

UK retail sales volumes fell 1.1% month-on-month in October 2025, defying expectations for flat reading and following an upwardly revised 0.7% increase in September. This marked the first decline since May, as supermarket sales dropped for the second consecutive month. Clothing stores also saw lower volumes after peaking in September, as retailers reported that many consumers delayed purchases ahead of Black Friday promotions. Mail-order and other online retailers recorded declines as well, partly due to weaker demand for online clothing. Several online sellers noted that customers postponed spending as they waited for major discounts. Over the three months to October compared with the three months to July, sales volumes rose 1.1%, and were up 0.4% compared with the same period a year earlier. On an annual basis, retail sales increased 0.2%, the smallest rise since the decline recorded in May, easing from a 1% gain in September.