Retail sales in Great Britain plummet as Christmas shoppers cut back

December figures show biggest monthly fall since shops were forced to close during pandemic in 2021

Retailers in Great Britain suffered a dire Christmas as cash-strapped consumers cut back on shopping in December, fuelling the biggest fall in monthly sales since shops were forced to close during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.

Sales plummeted 3.2% year on year as retailers across the board suffered as the cost of living crisis resulted in consumers making tough decisions, including choosing between buying food or presents.