Food sales increased by 1.7% YOY in December, against a growth of 6.3% in December 2023, according to the British Retail Consortium’s KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.
Despite the food sector’s 1.7% YOY growth, it was below the 12-month average growth of 3.3%.
UK total retail sales saw a 3.2% uplift YOY in December, against a growth of 1.9% in December 2023. This was above the 3-month average growth of 0.4% and above the 12-month average growth of 0.7%.
The later timing of Black Friday in 2024 meant it fell into December, rather than November figures, while the reverse was true in 2023. This artificially worsened November figures and improved the December figures, said the British Retail Consortium.
Sarah Bradbury chief executive at IGD said: “Early results for Christmas trading show some positive signs with both grocery sales and volumes up compared to last December, although the rate of growth has slowed compared to 2023. The festive season usually leads to a lift in shopper confidence; December 2024 was no different, with wage growth outstripping inflation, contributing to the uptick this year.”
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