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Retail Sales Monitor

Access the latest UK retail performance data and what this means for your business.


Valentine’s day boosted a flat month of in-store sales

February 2025: Consumers remain cautious

Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure at KPMG, said:

“Consumers remain cautious with their spending and many are continuing to prioritise saving, travel and experiences. Nervousness about the economy is deferring other big ticket purchasing, but occasions and offers are still tempting shoppers into some impulsive spending. Valentine’s, for example, brought a jewellery sales boost to the high street, in what was otherwise a flat month for in-store buying.

Online non-food sales growth is outpacing in-store and while shops will always be a key part of many retailers’ strategy - rent, rates, and employment costs all must be factored in. As we have seen already this year, firms are increasingly scrutinising where best to be located and the implications of the likes of recently announced employment cost rises. Online shopping and the growth of social commerce has contributed to a lowering of demand for some physical retail stores and boardrooms will continue to keep a close eye on monthly footfall and sales data as 2025 progresses.

Read February's report complete with sales data from the British Retail Consortium.opens in a new tab

Linda Ellett

Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure

KPMG in the UK


December 2024: A positive end to the quarter

“With Black Friday falling as late as it did, this year it was part of the Christmas shopping season even more so than in previous years.

December, coupled with Black Friday week at the end of November, delivered welcome sales growth for retailers. Computing and mobile phones, and beauty products, particularly saw sizeable jumps in sales both in-store and online, with the likes of AI-enabled tech and beauty advent calendars boosting festive takings.

However, sales growth during the golden quarter of October to December was minimal, reflecting the ongoing careful management of many household budgets during a time when many costs remain at a heightened level compared to past years.

In 2025, we will see retailers increasingly utilising customer data and AI technology to deliver increased personalisation when it comes to targeting products and offers to their current, and potential, customers.”

Read December's report complete with sales data from the British Retail Consortiumopens in a new tab.


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