UK retail sales improve despite weaker trading at clothing stores
Economists said growth among supermarkets helped to offset a weaker period for the clothing sector.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.British retailers returned to growth last month despite clothing stores reporting their weakest trading for almost three years.
Economists said this was offset by a stronger month for supermarkets in the run up to Christmas.
Retail sales volumes, which measure the quantity bought, increased by 0.2% in November, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
It comes after retailers witnessed a 0.7% decline in October.
The rise in November was weaker than expected, with economists having predicted a 0.5% uplift.
The ONS said this came after clothing and footwear retailers reported that sales volumes dropped by 2.6% for the month, taking them down to the lowest monthly level since January 2022.
However, this was largely offset by a 0.5% rise in sales across food and drink retailers, driven by major supermarkets.
Household goods retailers also had a stronger month, with sales rising by 1.1% in November on the back of significant improvement among furniture stores.
Elsewhere, online retail sales slipped for the second month in a row despite discounting ahead of Black Friday.
ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach said: “Retail sales increased slightly in November following last month’s fall.
“For the first time in three months there was a boost for food store sales, particularly supermarkets.
“It was also a good month for household goods retailers, most notably furniture shops.
“Clothing store sales dipped sharply once again, as retailers reported tough trading conditions.”
Nicholas Found, senior consultant at Retail Economics, said: “November brought mixed fortunes for retail, impacted by Black Friday, as weak consumer confidence is seeing shoppers hold out for promotions.
“Anxiety following the Autumn Budget combined with a mild start to November delayed spending on seasonal items, including a sharp decline in clothing volumes.
“It is critical delayed spending materialises this Christmas to mitigate the poor start to retail’s all-important festive season. However, cautiousness lingers, slowing momentum in the economy.”