UK Retailers Show Strong Sales Growth In January

British retailers entered 2026 on a stronger footing, following earlier signs of improving consumer mood after finance minister Rachel Reeves’ budget in November. Official data released on January 23 had shown an unexpectedly strong rise in retail sales in December. The British Retail Consortium said on Tuesday that January delivered solid gains, led by food spending and more visits to physical stores. The survey showed total food sales rose 2.7% from a year earlier, the strongest increase since August. Food sales climbed 3.8%, while non-food sales rose 1.7%. In-store sales grew at the fastest pace in six months, and the year-end period recorded the strongest growth at January sales. Like-for-like sales, which reflect store openings and closures, increased 2.3%, also the strongest year-on-year result since August this month.