UK retail sales slip as shoppers pull back post-January spending

Volumes fell by 0.4% in February, following a rise of 2% in January. However, over a three-month period, they edged up 0.7%, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This, it said, was driven by “strong” sales volumes in mostly online retailers. Comments from retailers suggested that video games, wine, sports supplements, and sports clothing sold well over December and January.

Sales for non-food retailers increased 0.5% over the three months, driven in part by strong volumes in commercial art galleries over January and February.

While supermarket volumes fell back in February (-0.7%) following a rise the month before, this was still above December 2025 levels.

Household goods also saw a dip in volumes, down 2.6% last month, with retailers suggesting wet weather impacted demand. According to the Met Office, rainfall was above average in February compared to January 2026 or February 2025.

The ONS said non-store retailers’ sales volumes dipped slightly over the month, with retailers suggesting that consumers brought forward their spending to January 2026 to maximise on discounting during the period.

Retail Economics head of commercial content Nicholas Found said: “February exposed a retail market where spending was narrow, highly selective and event-led, including Valentine’s Day giving a modest lift to gifting categories, ahead of new fears over inflation and the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict.

“Wet weather and a post-January pullback left households spending cautiously, buying with intent and waiting for a compelling reason to open their wallets.

“Consumer spending is still there, but it is far more concentrated and fragmented. The winners will be those combining sharp value perception, with genuine differentiation and disciplined execution across channels. Strong results from Next this week demonstrate what’s still possible.”