Retail sales in Britain rose 1.4 percent year on year in November, the weakest growth in six months despite heavy Black Friday promotions, the British Retail Consortium said Tuesday.
The figure fell below the 12‑month average growth rate of 2.5 percent. Food sales increased 3 percent, compared with an average of 3.6 percent, while non‑food sales edged up 0.1 percent against a 1.6 percent average. Online non‑food sales grew just 0.5 percent, sharply down from the 12‑month average of 2.5 percent.
“Pre‑Budget jitters among shoppers meant the month of Black Friday did not deliver as strongly as retailers had hoped, or the economy needed,” BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said, noting sales growth was the weakest in six months despite elevated inflation.
Linda Ellett, U.K. head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG, said rising household costs and economic uncertainty continued to weigh on discretionary spending.
November also marked the seventh straight month of declining shopping footfall, as Black Friday failed to deliver the expected boost despite early and deep discounting, said Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for Sensormatic Solutions.
The 2025 Budget, unveiled in late November, included measures to support high streets with permanently lower tax rates for 750,000 retail and hospitality properties, reduced energy bills and frozen rail fares. It also raised the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage.
“Retailers will be hoping that Budget clarity has now provided more certainty for consumers about their ability to spend in the months ahead,” Ellett said. “And as the Christmas decorations go up, hopefully retail sales growth does too, ending 2025 with some festive cheer for the sector.”
Dickinson added that public policy in 2026 should prioritize reviving consumer confidence and reducing business costs to allow retailers to focus on growth strategies and contribute to economic recovery.