United Kingdom: Retail sales return to growth in December
Latest reading: Retail sales were up 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis in December, following a 0.1% drop in the prior month and beating market expectations. Growth was led by non-store retailers, as online jewellers saw stronger demand for precious metals amid higher holiday spending. Supermarkets and automotive fuel sales posted modest increases, while non-food retailers—including department, clothing, household, and other stores—registered declines. Online retailing also performed strongly, rising 1.8% month on month.
In annual terms, retail sales were up 2.4% in December, following a 1.8% rise in the previous month.