UK Shopping Accelerates, Hitting a 20-Month Record
UK retail sales jumped 1.8% (m/m) in January 2026, far exceeding market expectations of 0.2% and faster than December's 0.4%. This was the strongest monthly increase since May 2024, as interest rate cuts and increasingly tame inflation boosted consumer confidence. The data also marked two consecutive months of growth for the first time in six months, providing an additional boost to the Labour government's efforts to revive the economy.
The main driver came from non-food stores, particularly demand for art and antiques. Online and mail-order sales were also solid, with products such as sports supplements and jewelry performing strongly. Annually, retail sales volumes surged to 4.5% (y/y)—close to a nearly four-year high—up from a revised 1.9% in December and beating the 2.8% forecast. In the three months to January, sales volume increased slightly by 0.1% compared to the previous three months and was 2.6% higher than a year ago. (Asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
