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UK Retailers Report Strong Start to 2026

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on February 10, 2026

1 min read

Last updated: February 10, 2026

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UK retailers report strong start to 2026 - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review

Tags:retail trade UK economy consumer perception financial management economic growth

Quick Summary

UK retailers report strong sales in January 2026, with food sales up 3.8% and in-store activity increasing, signaling improved consumer sentiment.

UK retailers report strong start to 2026

Retail Sales Performance in January 2026

Feb 10 (Reuters) - British retailers reported a bright start to 2026, marked by strong food sales and more in-store activity in January, the British Retail Consortium trade body said on Tuesday.

The survey added to tentative signs of an improvement in consumer sentiment after British finance minister Rachel Reeves' budget in November. Official data published on January 23 showed an unexpectedly strong increase in retail sales during December.

KEY DETAILS

Food and Non-Food Sales Trends

• Total food sales rose by 2.7% in annual terms last month, the strongest increase since August.

• Food sales rose by 3.8%, non-food sales were up 1.7%.• The period around the turn of the year showed strongest sales growth as shoppers responded to January sales.

In-Store Sales Growth

• In-store sales rose at fastest pace in six months.

• Like-for-like sales, which take into account openings and closures of physical stores, rose by 2.3% - again, the strongest year-on-year reading since August.

(Reporting by Andy BruceEditing by William Schomberg)

Key Takeaways

•UK retailers report strong sales in January 2026.
•Food sales rose by 3.8%, non-food by 1.7%.
•In-store sales grew at the fastest pace in six months.
•Consumer sentiment improved post-budget announcement.
•British Retail Consortium highlights positive trends.

Frequently Asked Questions about UK retailers report strong start to 2026

1What is consumer sentiment?

Consumer sentiment is a measure of how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are regarding their expected financial situation and the overall economy. It influences their spending behavior.

2What are food sales trends?

Food sales trends indicate the changes in consumer purchasing patterns for food products over time. They can reflect shifts in consumer preferences, economic conditions, and seasonal factors.

Retail Sales Performance in January 2026

Feb 10 (Reuters) - British retailers reported a bright start to 2026, marked by strong food sales and more in-store activity in January, the British Retail Consortium trade body said on Tuesday.

KEY DETAILS

Food and Non-Food Sales Trends

• Total food sales rose by 2.7% in annual terms last month, the strongest increase since August.

• Food sales rose by 3.8%, non-food sales were up 1.7%.• The period around the turn of the year showed strongest sales growth as shoppers responded to January sales.

In-Store Sales Growth

• In-store sales rose at fastest pace in six months.

• Like-for-like sales, which take into account openings and closures of physical stores, rose by 2.3% - again, the strongest year-on-year reading since August.

(Reporting by Andy BruceEditing by William Schomberg)

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is consumer sentiment?

Consumer sentiment is a measure of how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are regarding their expected financial situation and the overall economy. It influences their spending behavior.

2What are food sales trends?

Food sales trends indicate the changes in consumer purchasing patterns for food products over time. They can reflect shifts in consumer preferences, economic conditions, and seasonal factors.