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| Retail sales bounce back in January after weak end to 2019 | Retail sales bounce back in January after weak end to 2019 |
| (about 5 hours later) | |
| Retail sales rebounded in January on the back of stronger demand for clothes and footwear, official figures show. | |
| The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the amount of goods sold in Great Britain rose by 0.9%, after falls in the previous two months. | The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the amount of goods sold in Great Britain rose by 0.9%, after falls in the previous two months. |
| It was the largest monthly rise since March, and a stronger performance than was expected by economists. | It was the largest monthly rise since March, and a stronger performance than was expected by economists. |
| Despite the rebound seen last month, sales for the three-months to end-January fell. | Despite the rebound seen last month, sales for the three-months to end-January fell. |
| Rhian Murphy, head of retail sales at the ONS, pointed out that in the three months to January, the amount of goods bought fell by 0.8%. She said there were "declines across all sectors" during the quarter. | Rhian Murphy, head of retail sales at the ONS, pointed out that in the three months to January, the amount of goods bought fell by 0.8%. She said there were "declines across all sectors" during the quarter. |
| Sales in January were boosted by "moderate growth" by food retailers, which saw sales rise 1.7% during the period, while non-food retail sales also rose, increasing by 1.3% for the month. | |
| The ONS said clothing sales significantly improved, with clothes and footwear sales up 3.9% for the month, while department stores reported a 1.6% increase in sales. | |
| Aled Patchett, head of retail and consumer goods at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said the figures suggested the economy appeared to be "on surer footing". | |
| He added: "While the 'Boris-bounce' appears to have boosted consumer confidence and improved the mood among retailers, many are continuing to forecast with caution in mind, having endured a difficult Christmas - something that was reflected in the smaller-than-expected discounts in January." | He added: "While the 'Boris-bounce' appears to have boosted consumer confidence and improved the mood among retailers, many are continuing to forecast with caution in mind, having endured a difficult Christmas - something that was reflected in the smaller-than-expected discounts in January." |
| Fuel saw a large fall of 5.7% in the amount bought in January when compared with December 2019, coinciding with a price increase of 2.3p. This was followed by clothing shops with a drop of 3.9%. | Fuel saw a large fall of 5.7% in the amount bought in January when compared with December 2019, coinciding with a price increase of 2.3p. This was followed by clothing shops with a drop of 3.9%. |
| Andrew Carlisle, managing director at Accenture, said that the retail sector's struggles "have yet to show signs of abating", adding: "While there was modest sales growth in January, it is not enough for retailers to get excited about." | Andrew Carlisle, managing director at Accenture, said that the retail sector's struggles "have yet to show signs of abating", adding: "While there was modest sales growth in January, it is not enough for retailers to get excited about." |
| Compared with a year ago, internet sales were also 4.9% higher in January. | Compared with a year ago, internet sales were also 4.9% higher in January. |
| 'Tough trading' | 'Tough trading' |
| Previous research by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) suggested that 2019 may have been the worst year in 25 years for retailers. It said that total sales fell by 0.1%, marking the first annual sales decline since 1995. | Previous research by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) suggested that 2019 may have been the worst year in 25 years for retailers. It said that total sales fell by 0.1%, marking the first annual sales decline since 1995. |
| However, the trade body's figures do not include the entire retail market. Its survey excludes some fast-growing online retailers, including Amazon, for example. | However, the trade body's figures do not include the entire retail market. Its survey excludes some fast-growing online retailers, including Amazon, for example. |
| UK High Streets continue to face tough trading conditions, with big chains such as Mothercare and Thomas Cook going bust in recent months. | UK High Streets continue to face tough trading conditions, with big chains such as Mothercare and Thomas Cook going bust in recent months. |
| The decline of the High Street has been attributed to a range of causes. High business rates, national living wage rises, Brexit and weak consumer confidence are some challenges facing retailers, as well as the rise of online retail. | The decline of the High Street has been attributed to a range of causes. High business rates, national living wage rises, Brexit and weak consumer confidence are some challenges facing retailers, as well as the rise of online retail. |