UK retail sales fall in November as cost-of-living bites household finances

0.4% decline from October

The World Cup and Black Friday sales promotions failed to produce the expected sales uplift in November as UK retail sales fell unexpectedly.

According to the Office for National Statistics, retail sales volumes slid by 0.4% last month. This follows a 0.9% increase in October, which was an improvement from September when sales were impacted by the public holiday for Queen Elizabeth's funeral. A Reuters poll of economists had predicted a 0.3% rise from October. While consumers are spending 4.2% more than a year ago, they are focusing on essentials like food and footwear, with overall sales volumes down 5.9%. At a 5% decline, online shopping has decreased less than overall retail sales volumes.  Cost-of-living crisis force...