The decline is more pronounced than the modest 12-month average decrease of 0.5%. Credit: Ground Picture via Shutterstock.com.

Total UK retail sales have grown by just 1.2% year on year (YoY) in January 2024, down from the 4.2% growth seen in January 2023, according to data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). 

The slowdown in retail sales growth comes as the cost of living crisis enters its third year. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Retail sales were below the three-month and 12-month average growth of 1.9% and 3.4% respectively. 

During the four weeks from 31 December 2023 to 27 January 2024, food sales in the UK rose by 6.3%, but the figure is still below the robust 8.0% growth experienced in January 2023 and the 12-month average of 8.1%.  

Non-food sales experienced a decline, with a 1.8% decrease over the three months to January. This contrasts with a 2.9% increase in January 2023.  

The decline is more pronounced than the modest 12-month average decrease of 0.5%.  

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In-store non-food sales also fell by 1.5% YoY over the three months to January, a significant drop from the 7.2% growth seen in January 2023 and below the 12-month average growth of 0.8%.  

Online non-food sales have not fared any better, with a 4.2% YoY decrease in January, exceeding the declines recorded in both the three-month and 12-month periods.  

The penetration rate for non-food items bought online fell to 35% in January from 35.4% in January 2023. 

British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Easing inflation and weak consumer demand have led retail sales growth to slow. While the January sales helped to boost spending in the first two weeks, this did not sustain throughout the month.  

“With the Spring Budget in sight, and a general election looming, the government cannot afford to ignore the needs of retailers and their customers. Employing three million people and supporting families and communities in every corner of the country, retail is the ‘everywhere economy’.”