UK Retail Sales Growth Hits 5-Month High

EthereumCraftsman · 2026-02-10T00:20:18+00:00

UK retail sales rose 2.3% year-on-year in January 2026, the fastest growth since August, fueled by returning shoppers. Non-food sales increased by 1.7% and food sales by 3.8%, indicating improved economic momentum after a slowdown.

EthereumCraftsman

2026-02-10 00:20:18

Abstract generation in progress

UK retail sales rose 2.3% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis in January 2026, accelerating from a 1% increase in December and marking the fastest pace of growth since August, as shoppers who held back during the holiday season returned in force. The outturn also beat market expectations of a 1.2% rise, reinforcing signs of improving economic momentum after the late-2025 slowdown. Non-food sales climbed 1.7% from a year earlier, exceeding the 12-month average of 1.1%, while food sales increased 3.8%, broadly in line with the 12-month average. Commenting on the data, BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said a “drab December gave way to a brighter January as retail sales picked up pace,” noting that many consumers postponed Christmas spending and waited for January discounts. She added that in-store sales recorded their strongest growth in more than six months.

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.