UK shoppers helped deliver a welcome boost to the retail sector at the end of 2025, with new figures showing sales rose in December and finished the year higher overall.
According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, retail sales volumes increased by 0.4 percent in December, reversing declines seen earlier in the autumn. The rise came during the crucial Christmas trading period and signals renewed consumer confidence heading into the new year.
The December uplift also capped off a solid year for retailers. Across 2025 as a whole, retail sales volumes grew by 1.3 percent compared with 2024, marking the second consecutive year of annual growth after the downturn experienced in 2022 and 2023. It is a clear sign that household spending has become more resilient.
Online and non store retailers were among the winners, bouncing back after earlier falls and showing that digital shopping continues to play a growing role in how people buy. Supermarkets and fuel retailers also recorded modest increases over the month, helping to support the overall rise in sales.
While sales over the final three months of the year were slightly lower than the previous quarter, the strong December performance and full year growth underline the sector’s ability to recover and adapt in a challenging economic environment.
For the wider economy, stronger retail sales matter. They support jobs across the UK, boost supply chains and provide confidence for businesses planning investment in 2026. Ending the year with rising sales gives retailers a firmer platform to build on and sends a positive signal about consumer demand across Britain.
