Retail sales increased by +6.9% YoY in December, against an increase of +2.1% in December 2021, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. LFL sales increased +6.5% YoY.
Online non-food sales decreased by -3% in December, against a decline of -13.9% in December 2021. The non-food online penetration rate decreased to 42.3%.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson OBE says: "After an exceptionally challenging year which saw inflation climb and consumer confidence plummet, the uptick in spending over Christmas gave many retailers cause for cheer. Many consumers braved the cold snap and the strikes to ensure friends and families got the gifts they wanted, with energy-saving products, warm clothing and boots all selling well. Nonetheless, despite the stronger sales, growth remained below inflation, making December the ninth consecutive month of falling volumes."
Furniture as a category ranked 9th in December (significantly down from 2nd in November, but up from the 10th spot in December 2021). However, it ranked 2nd for online growth in December (6th in 2021).
For 2022 overall, UK total retail sales increased by +3.1% YoY. Non-food growth was +3.2%, and the furniture category ranked 6th (retail) and 5th (online growth).
