This statistic shows the total annual retail sales (including automotive fuel) in Great Britain from 2005 to 2023, based on sales volumes. In 2023, approximately 426 billion British pounds worth of goods were sold across all retailing sectors in Great Britain. In terms of sales value (amount spent), figures reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2021 were the highest over the period of time in consideration.

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

The total value of retail sales, including fuel, reached a peak value of approximately 509.77 billion British pounds in 2023. For the retail industry excluding fuel sales, this figure similarly indicated a record value that year.   UK retail business as usual   Generally, retail sales in the UK displayed steady growth with the exception of 2009, when annual sales experienced a noticeable drop. Forecasts project that both store-based and e-commerce sales will continue their steep increase by 2026, with online sales reaching over 200 billion British pounds by that period.    Holiday spending: industry’s best friend   When we look at the monthly breakdown of retail sales value, an unmistakably clear picture of rigorous holiday spending greets us. December is the month when retail has its best days. This was particularly true in December 2019, when the sales value of retail in Great Britain was recorded at over 50 billion British pounds.

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.

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.

Total sales and average weekly spending estimates for each retail sector in Great Britain in thousands of pounds.

In March 2025, internet sales accounted for 26.8 percent of all retail sales in Great Britain. Over the considered period, food online sales did not go over nine percent of total retail sales.

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.

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

The United Kingdom Hardware Stores Retail Market Report is Segmented by Type (Door Hardware, Building Materials, Kitchen and Toilet Products, and Other Product Types). by Distribution Channels (Offline and Online). The Report Offers the Market Size and Forecasts for the United Kingdom Hardware Stores Retail Market in Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

With consumers placing increasing importance on companies’ environmental credentials, what are UK retailers doing to make their operations more sustainable?

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

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 %.

Standard error reference tables for the Retail Sales Index in Great Britain.

This statistic shows the percentage change in the quantity of goods bought (retail sales volume) in Great Britain, from January 2017 to August 2023. The volume of all retail sales since April 2022 to August 2023 saw a decline, with a drop of 0.4 percent reported in the most recent period. The decline in retail sales is seen as an impact of the cost of living crisis and inflation in the UK and elsewhere in world.

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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.
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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

The extent to which individual businesses in Great Britain experienced actual changes in their sales.

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.

In Great Britain, internet sales accounted for 26.8 percent of all retailing sales, as data from March 2025 showed. In February 2021, the share of online sales as a proportion of total retail reached its peak at 37.5 percent.

Detailed retail sales revisions analysis for the current month, Great Britain; includes a 12-month comparison.