UK retail sales volumes increased by 1.8 per cent in January following a dip of 0.4 per cent in the previous month, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The ONS attributed the growth due to automotive fuel sales, which fell in October 2025, but rebounded in November.

Non-food stores rose over the three months to January which the ONS said was due to strong sales volumes in commercial art galleries during January 2026.

Seasonal sales in January saw a strong performance, leading to strong sales for furniture, computers and telecoms.

The ONS said that online jewellers reported “unprecedented” demand, while sports supplement retailers also saw strong trade and auctions of artwork and antiques had a good month.

Total spending by consumers rose by 1.6 per cent over January, according to the ONS figures.

The proportion of sales made online fell from 28.3 per cent in December 2025 to 28.2 per cent in January 2026.

Sales volumes rose by 0.1 per cent in the three months to January 2026, compared with the three months to October 2025.

Commenting on the figures Ian Bendelow, retail sales lead at the British Retail Consortium said it was encouraging that sectors such as clothing, furniture and books did well.

“Large retailers recovered ground after a weaker December, with growth of 3.1 per cent on last year, meanwhile smaller retailers continued their winning streak with sales growth of 2.9 per cent,” he added. “The improved sales growth reflected stronger consumer sentiment in January, as well as the release of pent up demand, as many consumers held off on Christmas spending only to splurge on the January sales.”

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