Retail sales fall short of expectations in November
The amount spent online sank 4.3% in November, making it the largest drop since March 2022
Retail sales in the UK rose 0.2% in November, behind analysts expectations of 0.5%, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.
However, this slight increase is an improvement on the 0.7% decline seen in October.
ONS stated growth in supermarkets and other non-food stores was partly offset by a fall in clothing retailers.
Food sales increased for the first time in three months, boosted by 0.5% over the period, while non-food revenues were up 0.2%.
However, clothing sales fell 2.6% for the month, after a 3.5% fall in October, hitting their lowest level since January 2022.
The amount spent online sank 4.3% in November, making it the largest drop since March 2022.
Hannah Finselbach, senior statistician at the ONS, said: “Retail sales increased slightly in November following last month’s fall. For the first time in three months there was a boost for food store sales, particularly supermarkets. It was also a good month for household goods retailers, most notably furniture shops.
“Clothing store sales dipped sharply once again, as retailers reported tough trading conditions. With November’s retail sales survey covering the four weeks to 23 November, Black Friday itself will fall within December’s figures. However, our figures account for this shift in timing to give us the best picture of what is happening in the shops.”
Kris Hamer, director of insight at the British Retail Consortium, added: “After a positive start to the Golden Quarter, November sales stagnated, with higher energy bills and low consumer sentiment impacting spending. Clothing suffered from a fall in sales, with milder weather putting many off updating their winter wardrobe.
“Consumers were also holding out for the main black Friday sales week to pick up beauty and electrical deals, which saw their first falls of the year. The final two months of the year account for over one-fifth of all sales, making it a period of vital importance – particularly for non-food. With a weak November performance, retailers will hope that shoppers come out in force in the final days before Christmas.”
