UK Retail Sales Slip in November Despite High Expectations

(MENAFN) The United Kingdom’s retail sales volume unexpectedly declined in November, dropping 0.1% compared to the previous month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Friday.

This result went against market forecasts of a 0.3% increase and followed an upwardly revised 0.9% fall recorded in October.

"Non-store retailers' volumes dipped as demand for gold slowed, while supermarkets fell for the fourth consecutive month," said an ONS statement.

During November, non-store retailers saw weaker performance, with online jewelers reporting reduced demand as precious metal prices stabilized.

"Supermarket sales volumes fell for their fourth consecutive month, with retailers reporting low footfall. However, this was partly offset by a rise of 1.0% in non-food stores (the total of department, clothing, household, and other non-food stores)," the report noted.

At the same time, department stores experienced growth, which some attributed to extended pre-holiday Black Friday discounting. Footwear and leather goods retailers also recorded stronger sales.

Additionally, sales of automotive fuel rebounded from October’s decline, climbing back to slightly above September 2025 levels.

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