Retail Sales in the United Kingdom decreased 2.70 percent in May of 2025 over the previous month. This dataset 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.

Key information about United Kingdom Retail Sales Growth

• United Kingdom Retail Sales dropped 2.1 % YoY in May 2023, compared with a 3.3 % decrease in the previous month.
• UK Retail Sales Growth YoY data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1997 to May 2023, with an average growth rate of 2.4 %.
• The data reached an all-time high of 40.9 % in Apr 2021 and a record low of -22.9 % in Apr 2020.
• In the latest reports, Car Sales of UK recorded 1,943,572.0 units in Dec 2022, representing a drop of 5.1 %.

CEIC calculates monthly Retail Sales: Incl. Motor Vehicles Growth from monthly Retail Sales Index. The Office for National Statistics provides Retail Sales Index with base 2019=100.

Retail Sales in the United Kingdom decreased 1.30 percent in May of 2025 over the same month in the previous year. This dataset provides - United Kingdom Retail Sales YoY - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

This statistic presents the percentage growth in like-for-like sales in high street stores in the United Kingdom (UK) from January 2017 to December 2024. Over the time period observed, the biggest decline in like-for-like high street sales was seen in early 2020, when lockdown measures against the spread of the coronavirus hit the UK. Since the easing of restrictions around April 2021, high street sales on a like-for-like basis saw major improvements, jumping up by over *** percent when compared to the previous year, when many countries worldwide had introduced strict lockdown measures. Most recently, in December 2024, like-for-like sales increased by *** percent in UK high streets.

BRC Retail Sales Monitor YoY in the United Kingdom increased to 2.70 percent in June from 0.60 percent in May of 2025. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for the United Kingdom BRC Retail Sales Monitor YoY.

Since 2010, retail internet sales have shown a positive trend in Great Britain. However, 2022 represented an exception, as online retail sales declined by 9.8 percent that year. In 2024, internet sales increased again by 8.7 percent.

Retail sales data for Great Britain in value and volume terms, seasonally and non-seasonally adjusted.

Key information about European Union Retail Sales Growth

• European Union Retail Sales grew 2.0 % YoY in Jan 2025, compared with a 2.6 % increase in the previous month.
• EU Retail Sales Growth YoY data is updated monthly, available from Jan 2000 to Jan 2025, with an average growth rate of 1.6 %.
• The data reached an all-time high of 20.0 % in Apr 2021 and a record low of -15.3 % in Apr 2020.

CEIC calculates monthly Retail Sales: Excl. Motor Vehicles Growth from monthly Retail Trade Index. Eurostat provides Retail Trade Index with base 2021=100. Retail Sales exclude Automotive Fuels. European Union stands for EU27 excluding UK. Retail Sales: Excl. Motor Vehicles Growth prior to January 2001 is calculated from Retail Sales: Excl. Motor Vehicles with base 2015=100.

In March 2025, the value of online retail sales increased by 5.4 percent. In the same month of the prior year the value of retail sales was around 2.8 percent.

Graph and download economic data for Sales: Retail Trade: Total Retail Trade: Volume for United Kingdom (SLRTTO01GBA657S) from 1958 to 2024 about United Kingdom, retail trade, sales, and retail.

Online retail in the United Kingdom has been gaining ground in the past decade. With the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, the value of online retail sales in the United Kingdom is estimated to reach just below *** billion British pounds in 2021. In 2022, the figure decreased to *** billion British pounds. What ranks high in UK e-commerce? In the United Kingdom, clothing and household goods were the most popular retail items consumers purchased through the internet in 2020. Data published by the Office for National Statistics (UK) showed that other leisure activities and services such as booking holiday accommodations, travel arrangements and event tickets were other areas consumers depended on the internet to buy. German e-commerce market The UK might have the highest share of online sales in retail trade, but other European countries such as Germany and France have had impressive track records over the years as well. According to the forecasts provided by German E-commerce and Distance Selling Trade Association (bevh), the market volume of Germany’s e-commerce sector was projected to see over ** billion euros in 2021.

Detailed revisions analysis for three months, Great Britain; includes a 12-month comparison.

A first estimate of retail sales in value and volume terms for Great Britain, seasonally and non-seasonally adjusted.

In March 2025, monthly internet retail sales increased by 5.4 percent in Great Britain, compared to the same month of the previous year.

In the United Kingdom, retail sales tend to peak during the last month of the year, holiday shopping being the likeliest culprit. In December 2024, the sales value of retailing in the UK amounted to approximately 60 billion British pounds. Retail turnover on the climb Running parallel to this, the turnover of retail trade in the UK made significant strides. Over the past 10 years, UK retail businesses consistently generated improved turnover figures, reaching almost 500 billion British pounds by 2022. Online is driving retail With the increased penetration of online shopping in consumer lives, business strategies of retailers are changing. While online marketplaces are becoming regular staples of everyday life, high street retailers too are setting up online businesses to support their store sales. In the UK, the share of online sales in all retailing increased to over 26 percent by the end of 2024.

In December 2020, an average of 4.22 billion British pounds (GBP) worth of goods were purchased in food stores across Great Britain per week. This represented a record amount spent on food purchases, but was also expected as Christmas season typically means increased food sales across retail stores. As of October 2024, average weekly sales stood at around 3.3 billion British pounds. For data concerning the percentage change in the value of sales in food stores, please see the following.
A shopping rhythm The overall structure of yearly spending remained the same during the period in consideration. January, coinciding with the Veganuary campaign which encourages people to eat vegan as an alternative dietary choice in January, sees a sharp drop after a peak spending during the month of December. After January a few months see an increase leading to an early summer high. After a drop in early autumn November sees the prelude to increased Christmas spending. Grocery market in the United Kingdom The overall value of the UK grocery retail market was estimated to amount to 216.8 billion British pounds in 2022. Of this, about 166.3 billion sales were made in predominantly food stores in 2022. Supermarkets had the highest share of grocery sales in the UK.

Internet sales in Great Britain by store type, month and year.

Snapshot img

UK Grocery Retail Market Size 2025-2029

The UK grocery retail market size is forecast to increase by USD 56.2 billion at a CAGR of 3.8% between 2024 and 2029.

The UK Grocery Retail Market is segmented by product (food and beverages, non food), distribution channel (hypermarkets and supermarkets, convenience stores, discount stores, online, others), sales channel (in-store, online delivery, click-and-collect), consumer segment (urban consumers, rural consumers, premium shoppers), product types (fresh produce, packaged foods, household goods, health and beauty), and geography (Europe: UK). This segmentation reflects the market's diversity, driven by increasing demand for Fresh Produce and Health and Beauty products, growing Online and Click-and-Collect channels in urban areas, and a mix of Hypermarkets and Discount Stores catering to both Premium Shoppers and Rural Consumers across the UK.
The Grocery Retail Market in the UK is witnessing significant growth, driven by the trend of rapid urbanization and the resulting increase in consumer spending. These trends are driving the industry to innovate and offer more personalized shopping experiences through unique store layouts and expanded product offerings such as online grocery delivery services.
However, the market faces challenges, including the threat from counterfeit grocery products or instant grocery, which can negatively impact consumer trust and brand reputation. Retailers must prioritize measures to ensure product authenticity and maintain transparency with customers to mitigate these risks.
Navigating this complex landscape requires a strategic approach, with a focus on building strong relationships with suppliers, implementing effective pricing strategies, and leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement. Companies that can successfully address these challenges while capitalizing on the market's growth opportunities will be well-positioned for success in the dynamic and competitive Grocery Retail Market in the UK.

What will be the size of the UK Grocery Retail Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
Request Free Sample

In the dynamic UK grocery retail market, sustainability practices are increasingly shaping consumer behavior. Retailers are adopting store designs that prioritize energy efficiency and waste reduction. Customer experience is a key differentiator, with retailers investing in promotion optimization, loyalty programs, and personalized marketing. Consumer trends towards healthier eating and convenience drive product assortment decisions. Retail management focuses on supply chain optimization, retail analytics, and category management to meet demand. Grocery technology, including digital marketing, e-commerce logistics, and inventory control, is transforming food retailing.
Store formats are evolving to include omnichannel retail and demand forecasting to better serve customers. Brand management and social media marketing are essential for building customer loyalty and engagement. Shelf space optimization and category management are crucial for maximizing sales and profitability.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Food and beverages
  Non food


Distribution Channel

  Hypermarkets and supermarkets
  Convenience stores
  Discount stores
  Online
  Others


Sales Channel

  In-Store
  Online Delivery
  Click-and-Collect


Consumer Segment

  Urban Consumers
  Rural Consumers
  Premium Shoppers


Product Types

  Fresh Produce
  Packaged Foods
  Household Goods
  Health and Beauty


Geography

  Europe

    UK

By Product Insights

The food and beverages segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic grocery retail market, various entities shape the industry landscape. Hygiene standards are prioritized to ensure food safety, while value products cater to consumers' increasing demand for affordability. Warehouse management systems streamline operations, and seasonal produce offers freshness and variety. Free-from products, such as gluten-free and vegan, cater to diverse dietary needs. Self-checkout kiosks enhance the shopping experience, and convenience stores cater to on-the-go consumers. Dairy products, canned goods, and dietary supplements are essential staples, while premium and private label brands differentiate offerings. Meat products, dairy, and bakery items are popular, with sales forecasting and local sourcing ensuring freshness and availability.

Sales in the household goods segment

Since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, sales growth of multichannel retailers in the United Kingdom has been strong. On a year-on-year basis, retail sales of multichannel retailers (those which sell both online and in brick-and-mortar stores) increased by 57 percent. Back in December 2019, this rate was recorded at 10 percent.

Consumer Edge is a leader in alternative consumer data for public and private investors and corporate clients. CE Vision Europe includes consumer transaction data on 6.7M+ credit cards, debit cards, direct debit accounts, and direct transfer accounts, including 5.3M+ active monthly users. Capturing online, offline, and 3rd-party consumer spending on public and private companies, data covers 5K+ merchants, 3K+ brands mapped to 600 global parent companies (500 publicly traded), and deep geographic breakouts with demographic breakouts coming soon for UK. Brick & mortar and ecommerce direct-to-consumer sales are recorded on transaction date and purchase data is available for most companies as early as 5 days post-swipe.

Consumer Edge’s consumer transaction datasets offer insights into industries across consumer and discretionary spend such as: • Apparel, Accessories, & Footwear • Automotive • Beauty • Commercial – Hardlines • Convenience / Drug / Diet • Department Stores • Discount / Club • Education • Electronics / Software • Financial Services • Full-Service Restaurants • Grocery • Ground Transportation • Health Products & Services • Home & Garden • Insurance • Leisure & Recreation • Limited-Service Restaurants • Luxury • Miscellaneous Services • Online Retail – Broadlines • Other Specialty Retail • Pet Products & Services • Sporting Goods, Hobby, Toy & Game • Telecom & Media • Travel

Private equity and venture capital firms can leverage insights from CE’s synthetic data to assess investment opportunities, while consumer insights teams and retailers can gain visibility into transaction data’s potential for competitive analysis, shopper behavior, and market intelligence.

CE Vision Benefits • Discover new competitors • Compare sales, average ticket & transactions across competition • Evaluate demographic and geographic drivers of growth • Assess customer loyalty • Explore granularity by geos • Benchmark market share vs. competition • Analyze business performance with advanced cross-cut queries

Corporate researchers and consumer insights teams use CE Vision for:

Corporate Strategy Use Cases • Ecommerce vs. brick & mortar trends • Real estate opportunities • Economic spending shifts

Marketing & Consumer Insights • Total addressable market view • Competitive threats & opportunities • Cross-shopping trends for new partnerships • Demo and geo growth drivers • Customer loyalty & retention

Investor Relations • Shareholder perspective on brand vs. competition • Real-time market intelligence • M&A opportunities

Most popular use cases for private equity and venture capital firms include: • Deal Sourcing • Live Diligences • Portfolio Monitoring