Retail sales in Great Britain rise as shoppers home in on discounts

But grocery purchases fall in January, with cost of living crisis still putting households under pressure

Retail sales in Great Britain picked up slightly in January, driven by cheaper fuel prices for motorists and shoppers snapping up bargains at jewellers and carpet and furniture stores in the new year sales.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the general trend pointed downwards despite the 0.5% increase in retail sales last month, as people tightened their belts during the cost of living crisis. As a result, last month’s overall sales volumes remained 1.4% below pre-pandemic levels recorded in February 2020.