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Retail sales rise in latest figures

ended 20. February 2026

Retail sales volumes are estimated to have risen by 1.8% in January 2026, following a rise of 0.4% in December 2025 and a fall of 0.4% in November 2025. Growth in January 2026 was partly because of artwork and antiques sales, alongside continued strong sales from online jewellers, new data released today shows.

The quantity of goods bought (volume) in retail sales is estimated to have risen by 0.1% in the three months to January 2026, compared with the three months to October 2025

The rise was because of better automotive fuel sales over the three months to January 2026, and a good start to the year for non-food stores, which was only partly offset by falls in supermarkets.

Grant Fitzner, Chief Economist at the Office for National Statistics, said: “Retail sales rose slightly in the latest three months, as sales continued to pick up in the New Year following a weak November.

"Motor fuel sales increased a little across the period, while sales of art works, tech retailers and furniture stores also performed well. These were partially offset by falls in supermarket sales.”

  • What is your reaction to the figures?
  • What does it reveal about the UK economy?
  • If you work in retail, what are you seeing on the ground? Are you seeing strong sales or are you struggling in 2026.

Responses asap.

1 responses from the Newspage community

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Nicholas Found
Head of Commercial Insights at Retail Economics
January signals a reset in spending, where wellness, jewellery and practical home upgrades outperformed as consumers focus on self-improvement and long-term value. Although overall volume growth still leaves much to be desired, it tells us demand has become more intentional.

Inflation easing to 3.0% in January has revived the prospect of a spring Bank of England cut, with the potential to unlock confidence, credit availability and big-ticket demand if this trend continues. But we’re not there yet.

For now, retail remains a market where value wins, but volumes lag. Inflation is easing, yet growth of underlying units remains subdued as households spend carefully rather than freely. Growth is being redistributed, setting the tone for another year defined by market-share battles rather than broad-based recovery.

At the same time, retailers are grappling with mounting employment and operating costs. Businesses are weighing up hiring against automation as margins are under pressure.