UK retail sales were lower than estimated in November

Retail sales in the UK increased by 0.2% month-over-month in November 2024, recovering from a 0.7% decline in October, though falling short of the 0.5% forecast.

UK retail sales were lower than estimated in November

Growth in sales was driven by food stores (up 0.5%), mainly supermarkets, and other non-food stores (up 0.2%), but was partially offset by a 2.6% drop in clothing retailers, pushing volumes to their lowest level since January 2022. Retailers reported that economic factors were affecting sales. Although Black Friday, officially observed on November 29th, fell outside the ONS reporting period, its significant impact will be reflected in the December report.

Black Friday sales began well before the official day

However, some retailers indicated that Black Friday sales began well before the official day. Year-on-year, retail sales grew by 0.5%, below the 2% increase in October and the 0.8% forecast.