2025.12.0900:33:53UTC+00UK Retail Sales Growth Slows to 6-Month Low

In November 2025, UK retail sales experienced a modest increase of 1.2% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis, marking the slowest growth rate in six months. This slowdown occurred as consumers awaited finance minister Rachel Reeves’ budget announcement, and Black Friday sales did not meet expectations. Growth in food sales decelerated to 3.0%, down from 3.5% in October, yet remained higher than the 2.2% rise observed in November 2024. Meanwhile, non-food sales edged up by 0.1% for the second consecutive month, a marked recovery from the 7.9% drop recorded a year prior. Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, noted, "Shoppers were apprehensive due to the pre-budget climate, resulting in Black Friday’s performance falling short of both retailer and economic hopes. Although inflation was elevated, sales growth was the weakest witnessed in six months. Unsurprisingly, online shopping led the way, with non-food purchases online reaching their highest share since 2022."