06.01.202600:01:00UTC+00UK Retail Sales Slow Down: BRC Retail Sales Monitor Shows Decline from 1.2% to 0.7% YoY in January

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has reported a marked slowdown in the United Kingdom's retail sector, as their latest Retail Sales Monitor indicates a decrease in growth, from 1.2% in December 2025 to 0.7% in January 2026 on a year-over-year basis. This latest figure was released on January 6th, 2026, serving as a reflection of consumer spending patterns and economic trends impacting the retail market.

December's 1.2% growth rate was a critical time, marking the holiday season's sales expenditure. Traditionally, December sees an upswing in retail activity due to heightened consumer spending around festive celebrations. The January data, however, underscores a decline in momentum, raising questions about consumer confidence and economic pressures affecting shopping behaviors in the post-holiday period.

Comparing these figures to the same months last year, the decline indicates lingering economic challenges facing the UK market, potentially tied to broader economic conditions such as inflationary pressures, energy prices, and changing consumer priorities. Retailers may need to adapt strategies to boost sales in the face of such declines, focusing on value-driven promotions and consumer engagement strategies to weather the economic headwinds and restore growth.