The Office for National Statistics reports a 0.3% drop in UK retail sales for November 2025, driven by cautious consumer spending despite the festive season.
Non-food retail, including clothing and electronics, saw the steepest decline at 1.2%, while online sales grew 2%.
Analysts attribute the dip to high energy costs and economic uncertainty, with inflation steady at 2.5%.
High street chains like Marks & Spencer and Next reported weaker footfall, though supermarkets saw a slight uptick in food sales.
The British Retail Consortium warns of a challenging Christmas trading period, with small businesses hit hardest.
Black Friday failed to boost sales significantly, as discounts were less aggressive than in 2024.
Consumer confidence remains fragile, with 40% of households cutting back on non-essentials, per YouGov polls.
Retailers are banking on last-minute Christmas shopping to recover, but fears of a prolonged slowdown loom.
The data highlights broader economic pressures, prompting calls for government support through tax relief or business rate reforms.
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