"It was a drab Christmas for retailers, as sales growth slowed for the fourth consecutive month. While food sales rose on the back of ongoing food inflation, non-food sales fell flat in the run up to Christmas, with gifting items doing worse than expected. Many people were clearly holding out for discounts, with the last week showing significant growth off the back of Boxing Day and beginning of the January sales."
"Despite the disappointing December, 2025 saw stronger sales growth overall, as non-food recovered from its 2024 decline. These figures show that consumer spending remains cautious, with households squeezed by the rising cost of living. Now is the time to support struggling families with the cost of food and essentials and give the economy the boost it needs. From business rates to the implementation of the Employment Rights Act, there are plenty of opportunities for Government to mitigate costs for ret"
Total UK retail sales increased 1.2% year on year in December, below the 12‑month average growth of 2.3% and weaker than December 2024's 3.2% rise. Food sales grew 3.1% year on year, stronger than December 2024 but below the 12‑month average of 3.7%. Non‑food sales fell 0.3% year on year, with in‑store non‑food down 0.5% and online non‑food down 0.1%. Online penetration of non‑food purchases rose to 38.6%, above the 12‑month average of 37.2%. Consumer spending remained cautious, households faced cost‑of‑living pressure, and late discounts boosted end‑of‑season sales.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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