UK Retail Sales Growth Slows Ahead of Black Friday, BRC Says
By The Vagabond News International Desk
London | November 11, 2025
UK retail sales grew at a slower pace in October as cautious consumers held back on spending in anticipation of Black Friday discounts, according to new data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
October Growth Falls to 2.1%
The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor reported that total sales rose 2.1% year-on-year in October, down from 2.8% the previous month. The figures indicate that inflation-adjusted sales remain under pressure as households continue to face higher food and energy costs.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said:
“Shoppers are delaying spending until the big discount events later in November. Retailers are under increasing strain to maintain margins as consumer confidence remains fragile.”
Non-Food Sales Hit Hardest
Non-food sales — including clothing, furniture, and electronics — saw the sharpest slowdown, rising just 0.7% compared to 1.9% a year earlier.
Electronics and household goods retailers, in particular, have been struggling as customers postpone purchases until Black Friday or Christmas sales.
Groceries and Health Products Steady
In contrast, grocery and health-related product sales continued to perform relatively well.
Paul Martin, Head of Retail at KPMG UK, noted:
“October saw modest sales in essential categories, but discretionary spending continues to be squeezed. With interest rates high and credit tight, consumers are being selective.”
Black Friday Hopes and Christmas Uncertainty
Retailers are now pinning hopes on Black Friday and Cyber Monday to lift revenues ahead of the critical Christmas trading period.
However, analysts warn that discounting pressure could hit profitability. The BRC said it expects “intense competition” among online and physical retailers in the coming weeks.
Economic Backdrop
The slowdown in retail mirrors broader economic trends: UK GDP growth has stagnated, while inflation remains above the Bank of England’s 2% target. Economists say that despite a cooling inflation rate, consumers remain wary of large purchases amid weak wage growth.
Related Links
- BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor Report, October 2025
- [Analysis: Why UK Consumers Are Holding Back Before Black Friday — TVN Insights]
- [Earlier Report: Inflation Eases but UK Growth Remains Flat — The Vagabond News, Oct 2025]
Sources: British Retail Consortium | KPMG UK | Reuters | BBC News | The Vagabond News Analysis [1][2][3]
