Retail gross sales volumes rise 1.8% in January
UK retail gross sales volumes rose by 1.8% in January 2026, up from an increase of 0.4% in December, marking the biggest month-to-month development since Could 2024, in line with the newest figures from the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics (ONS).
The amount of products purchased within the three months to January 2026 rose by 0.1% in contrast with the earlier three-month interval. This development was pushed by automotive gasoline gross sales and a powerful efficiency within the non-food sector.
Non-food retailer volumes have been supported by artwork and vintage gross sales and development within the furnishings sector following seasonal gross sales. On-line jewellers and mail order retailers promoting sports activities dietary supplements additionally contributed to the month-to-month rise.
Progress was partially offset by falling gross sales in supermarkets and shops. Regardless of the month-to-month improve, retail volumes in January 2026 remained flat at 0% in comparison with pre-pandemic ranges in February 2020.
On-line spending values rose by 1.3% in January 2026, a 14.7% improve in contrast with the identical month in 2025. This was the biggest year-on-year rise in on-line gross sales since April 2021.
Whole spending, together with in-store and on-line, rose by 1.6% over the month. Nevertheless, the proportion of gross sales made on-line fell barely to twenty-eight.2% in January 2026, down from 28.3% in December 2025.
Met Workplace information indicated that the UK skilled above common rainfall throughout the month. Information from the retail footfall dataset confirmed a decline in bodily retailer visits all through January 2026.
ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner stated: “Retail gross sales rose barely within the newest three months, as gross sales continued to choose up within the new yr following a weak November.
“Motor gasoline gross sales elevated somewhat throughout the interval, whereas gross sales of artwork works, tech retailers and furnishings shops additionally carried out properly. These have been partially offset by falls in grocery store gross sales.”
