Food store sales volumes grew strongly in January 2025, ONS reports

In January, monthly retail sales volumes rose following four consecutive falls, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed this morning.

In its Monthly Business Survey Retail Sales Inquiry, the ONS reports that many retailers beleived the reason for the rise was because of more people eating at home as the new year rolled around.

Food store sales volumes rose by 5.6% for the month, which is the largest rise since March 2020, putting index levels at their highest since June 2023. As a comparison, non-food stores – the total of department, clothing, household and other non-food stores - fell 1.3% over the same period. Clothing retailers and household goods stores suggested the fall was because of reduced consumer confidence.

This positive news for food retail follows four consecutive falls on the month, leading up to December 2024, when index levels were at their lowest since April 2013. Supermarkets, specialist food stores such as butchers and bakers, and alcohol and tobacco stores all rose over the month. 

You can read more on the ONS’ latest data here.