Overall retail sales volumes are estimated to have risen by 1.7% in January 2025, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
This jump was driven by strong food sales, with volumes rising by 5.6% in the first month of 2025. This is the largest rise since March 2020.
Non-food stores – the total of department, clothing, household and other non-food stores – fell 1.3% over the month. Clothing retailers and household goods stores suggested the fall was because of reduced consumer confidence.
“Retail sales rebounded strongly in January following four months of consecutive falls,” noted Hannah Finselbach, ONS Senior Statistician.
“This was driven by a robust month for food sales. Supermarkets, alcohol and tobacco stores as well as specialist shops like butchers and bakers all reported strong trading.
“However, clothing shops and household goods stores had less of a successful month with retailers reporting lacklustre sales due to weak consumer confidence.
“Looking at the broader picture, retail sales have decreased across the three-month period and are below pre-pandemic levels.”
Furthermore, online spending values fell by 1.7% across all sectors in January. The latest ecommerce comparison also highlighted that it was a weak golden quarter for online volumes. The online spending values were down 4.8% when comparing the three months to January 2025 with the three months to October 2024.
Asif Aziz, retail director at EE, added: “After a disappointing golden quarter, the retail industry needed a bounce back.
“While the current economic environment means we’re viewing good news with caution, retailers will be optimistic that this positive start sets them up for a great year.”
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