Total UK retail sales grew 1.1% in February 2024 compared to growth of 5.2% in February 2023. This was below the three-month average growth of 1.4% and below the 12-month average growth of 3.1%.

Non-food sales decreased 2.5% year on year over the three-months to February, against a growth of 3.2% in February 2023. This is steeper than the 12-month average decline of 0.9%. For the month of February, non-food was in decline year-on-year.

In-store non-food sales over the three months to February 2024 decreased 2.3% year on year, compared to growth of 8.1% in February 2023. This is below the 12-month average growth of 0.3%.

Online non-food sales decreased by 4.1% year on year in February 2024, against a decline of 3.1% in February 2023. This was steeper than the three-month and 12-month declines of 2.9%.

Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:

“Consumer demand was dampened by the wettest February on record, translating into a poor month of retail sales growth. Not even Valentine’s Day lifted customers out of the gloom, and gifting products that typically sell well, like jewellery and watches, failed to deliver.

“With consumer confidence and demand remaining weak, the government must find ways to stimulate the economy. Retailers have some government-induced cost hurdles to jump in the coming months including a £400m business rates rise based on last September’s 6.7% inflation rate. By using Wednesday’s Budget to reduce this, the Chancellor will lend a helping hand to much needed investment in businesses and local communities up and down the country.”

Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer markets, leisure & retail at KPMG, added that even with national insurance cuts aimed at putting more money in people’s pockets, consumer spend remains stagnant.

“Health and beauty categories continued to drive sales both on the high street and online, whilst sales of home and dining accessories received an unexpected boost last month, as consumers moved from buying clothes to buying cushions and cooking items. With food inflation slowing, sales of food and drink remained strong at 5%, but this was slightly down on January’s figures.

“As many households continue to adapt budgets to meet higher essential costs, including higher mortgage rates, consumer reluctance to get out there and start spending is likely to remain in the short term. 

“With big increases in labour costs and business rates just weeks away, adding to an already stressed cost agenda for retailers, many will be pinning their hopes on some good news in the Chancellors’ Spring Budget this week to help kick start a spending revival on the high street. 

“As inflation continues to slow over the coming months and household finances are expected to improve, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for weary households. However, the assumption that having more spending power will lead to more spending isn’t cutting through at the moment, and retailers will continue to face significant downward pressures on demand in the months to come.“

The latest figures come shortly after the Office for National Statistics revealed the UK’s gross domestic product fell by an estimated 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023, indicating a recession as consumers tighten budgets.