Retail sales show worrying signs for UK economy
UK retail sales were weaker than expected in December
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.Early Christmas sales forecasts have prompted fears of trouble ahead for the UK's retail sector.
The traditional January sales now start well before the New Year as stores attempt to reignite shopper’s interest.
But Retail analyst Richard Hyman told the Guardian this year has been the most challenging for the retail sector in more than 35 years, despite prices falling consistently as discounters slash prices to attract customers.
He said many shops will shut in the New Year after a "lacklustre" Christmas.
"There’s a lot of zombie-looking, ailing retailers that are not long for this world," he told the newspaper.
Consumer lobby group CBI reported that the outlook for the January sales was not strong.
According to information shared with the BBC, the CBI said that 2015 had been a tough year for retailers - with their survey showing the weakest expectations for business among retailers since May 2012.
On a more positive note, the CBI recorded that there was a rise in the balance of retailers reporting better sales in December than in November, but it still fell short of what was expected by economists.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments