General · 11 November 2025
UK Retail Sales Growth Hits Six-Month Low as Consumers Delay Spending Ahead of Budget and Black Friday
UK retail sales rose 1.6% in October, the weakest increase since May. Shoppers delayed buying items like clothing, toys, and electronics, with one in three holding off on major purchases until after the 26 November budget. Food sales growth slowed to 3.5% in October, while non-food sales were nearly flat, increasing by just 0.1%. Retailers are relying on Black Friday to improve sales, as uncertainty over possible tax rises continues to dampen consumer confidence.
Reported by Bloomberg · How we write briefs