UK Retail Sales See Modest Growth, Falling Short of Expectations

November sales rose by 0.2%, driven by food and household goods, while clothing sales hit their lowest levels since early 2022.

Retail sales in the UK increased by 0.2% in November after a 0.7% decline in October, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The growth was below economists' forecast of a 0.5% rise, reflecting cautious consumer behavior and delayed spending ahead of Black Friday.
Clothing and footwear sales dropped by 2.6%, reaching their lowest levels since January 2022, as shoppers postponed purchases due to economic concerns.
Food stores and household goods retailers, including furniture shops, saw stronger performance, with sales volumes rising by 0.5% and 1.1%, respectively.
Retailers and analysts cited economic pressures, higher energy costs, and weak consumer confidence as key factors impacting the holiday shopping season.