UK Retail Sales Growth Slows to Lowest Level in 6 Months

According to TradingEconomics, retail sales in the United Kingdom experienced a significant slowdown in November 2025, with a year-on-year increase of just 1.2% based on Like-for-Like sales, marking the weakest growth rate in six months. This decline is attributed to consumer caution and anticipation for Finance Minister Rachel Reeves' budget, along with a poorer-than-expected performance during Black Friday sales.

Data from TradingEconomics indicates that the growth in food sales fell to 3.0% from 3.5% in October, yet remains higher than the 2.2% increase recorded in November of last year, reflecting continued spending on essential goods despite inflationary pressures.

Non-food sales saw a slight increase of 0.1% for the second consecutive month, a significant improvement compared to the sharp decline of 7.9% a year ago, suggesting a slow recovery for this sector affected by economic factors and prolonged living cost pressures.

Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), noted that pre-budget concerns have impacted consumer confidence, stating, "Black Friday did not deliver the results that traders hoped for or that the economy needed. Sales growth was the weakest in six months, despite high inflation."

She added that online shopping was the most active segment, with non-food online purchases reaching their highest share since 2022, reflecting a continued shift in consumer behavior towards digital channels, as the traditional retail sector faces increasing pressures.

This data comes amid economic uncertainty related to slowing real income growth, rising living costs, and fluctuations in fiscal policy, with attention turning to the upcoming budget to see what measures the government will take to support consumption and stimulate the sector.