According to seasonally adjusted estimates released this Friday (20) by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the volume of retail sales in the UK fell by 1.0% in December compared to November. The data showed an acceleration of the contraction in retail sales as the fall in November reached 0.5% (data revised upwards) compared to October. On a year-over-year basis, December sales were 5.8% lower than in 2021.
Sales at non-food stores fell 2.1% in the month, with retailers citing rising consumer prices and declining affordability concerns.
At food stores, the 0.3% fall in December was smaller after a 1% increase in November, with signs that customers were stocking up ahead of Christmas.
The proportion of online sales fell to 25.4% in December 2022, from 25.9% in November, with evidence that the Royal Mail strike, the British Post Office, led consumers to buy more in physical stores.
Between 2021 and 2022, retail sales volumes fell by 3.0% as hospitality deregulation led to eating out, but rising prices and the cost of living impacted sales volumes.
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Henry Blackwell is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. His work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism.