Regno Unito Cbi Distributive Trades

The CBI’s retail sales balance fell to a six-month low of -44 in December 2025 from -32 in November, below market expectations of -30. Retail sales volumes declined at the fastest pace in six months, extending a prolonged downturn that has persisted since mid-2023, with conditions expected to worsen further in January as the balance drops to -57, the weakest outlook since March 2021. Sales were widely judged to be poor for the time of year, underscoring a disappointing Christmas trading period amid fragile consumer confidence. Online sales also slipped back into contraction after two months of growth, while wholesale sales fell at their steepest rate since June 2020. Across the broader distribution sector, including retail, wholesale and motor trades, sales volumes recorded their sharpest decline in more than five years. The survey points to a bleak start to 2026, with firms citing weak demand and high operating costs.