Retail sales in the UK surged 5.4 percent month-over-month in March of 2021, following an upwardly revised 2.2 percent rise in February and beating market forecasts of 1.5 percent. It is the biggest increase since a record jump in June last year, reflecting the effect of the easing of coronavirus restrictions on consumer spending. The first stage of easing the nationwide lockdown started in March but stores, pubs and restaurants opened in April only. Non-food stores provided the largest positive contribution, led by clothing (17.5 percent) and other non-food stores (13.4 percent). Automotive fuel retailers also reported strong monthly growth of 11.1 percent as travel restrictions were eased and sales at food stores were up 2.5 percent, namely butchers and bakers, likely reflecting the continued closure of the hospitality sector during the Easter period. On the quarter however, retail sales were 5.8 percent lower than in the last three months of 2020. source: Office for National Statistics

Retail Sales MoM in the United Kingdom averaged 0.23 percent from 1996 until 2021, reaching an all time high of 14 percent in June of 2020 and a record low of -18.10 percent in April of 2020. This page provides the latest reported value for - United Kingdom Retail Sales MoM - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. United Kingdom Retail Sales MoM - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on May of 2021.

Retail Sales MoM in the United Kingdom is expected to be -1.60 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate Retail Sales MoM in the United Kingdom to stand at 1.20 in 12 months time. In the long-term, the United Kingdom Retail Sales MoM is projected to trend around 0.70 percent in 2022 and 0.50 percent in 2023, according to our econometric models.

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United Kingdom Retail Sales MoM

Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
5.40 2.20 14.00 -18.10 1996 - 2021 percent Monthly
2016=100, SA


Calendar GMT Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2021-01-22 07:00 AM Dec 0.3% -4.1% 1.2% 1.1%
2021-02-19 07:00 AM Jan -8.2% 0.4% -2.5% -1.8%
2021-03-26 07:00 AM Feb 2.1% -8.2% 2.1% 2.5%
2021-04-23 06:00 AM Mar 5.4% 2.2% 1.5% 1.4%
2021-05-21 06:00 AM Apr 5.4%
2021-06-18 06:00 AM May
2021-07-23 06:00 AM Jun
2021-08-20 06:00 AM Jul
Go to our Calendar for more events. Or learn more about the Calendar API for direct access.


News Stream
UK Retail Sales Rise the Most in 9 Months
Retail sales in the UK surged 5.4 percent month-over-month in March of 2021, following an upwardly revised 2.2 percent rise in February and beating market forecasts of 1.5 percent. It is the biggest increase since a record jump in June last year, reflecting the effect of the easing of coronavirus restrictions on consumer spending. The first stage of easing the nationwide lockdown started in March but stores, pubs and restaurants opened in April only. Non-food stores provided the largest positive contribution, led by clothing (17.5 percent) and other non-food stores (13.4 percent). Automotive fuel retailers also reported strong monthly growth of 11.1 percent as travel restrictions were eased and sales at food stores were up 2.5 percent, namely butchers and bakers, likely reflecting the continued closure of the hospitality sector during the Easter period. On the quarter however, retail sales were 5.8 percent lower than in the last three months of 2020.
2021-04-23
UK Retail Sales Rebound in February
Retail sales in the United Kingdom jumped 2.1 percent month-over-month in February of 2021, following an 8.2 percent plunge in January and in line with market forecasts. Non-food stores provided the largest positive contribution, led by department stores (16.2 percent) and household goods stores (16.1 percent), namely spending on home improvement and outdoor furniture ahead of the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions. In contrast, sales at textile, clothing and footwear stores fell 9.7 percent and auto fuel declined 0.9 percent. The proportion spent online increased to 36.1 percent, the highest on record. Year-on-year, retail sales were down 3.7 percent.
2021-03-26
UK Retail Sales Fall Much More than Expected
Retail sales in the UK slumped 8.2 percent month-over-month in January of 2021, the most since a record 18% fall in April, and much worse than market forecasts of a 2.5 percent decline as tighter nationwide coronavirus restrictions affected sales. The biggest decrease was seen in sales of textiles, clothing and footwear (-34. percent) while growth was reported for non-store retailers (3.7 percent) and food stores (1.4 percent). Meanwhile, the proportion spent online soared to 35.2 percent, the highest on record. Year-on-year, retail sales were down 5.9 percent.
2021-02-19
Retail Sales in the UK Rise Much Less than Forecasts
Retail sales in the UK edged up 0.3% mom in December, following an upwardly revised 4.1% fall in November and well below market forecasts of a 1.2% jump. Still, sales were 2.7% higher compared with February's pre-covid level as stores reopened after the November lockdown and purchases of clothing surged 21.5 percent. Considering full 2020, retail sales shrank at a record 1.9 percent, with the biggest decline seen at clothing stores (-25.1 percent), fuel stores (-22.2 percent) and department stores (-5.2 percent) while the strongest gains were seen at non-store retailing (32 percent), online retailing (46.1 percent, the strongest growth since 2008) and food stores (79.3 percent).
2021-01-22

United Kingdom Retail Sales MoM
In the United Kingdom, the Retail sales report provides an aggregated measure of sales of retail goods and services over a specific time period. In the United Kingdom, Retail sales are seasonal, volatile and relatively important to the overall economy.