Non-Food Sales Decline, Food Sales Up, E-Commerce Thrives

  • UK retail sales growth slower than last year
  • Non-food sales decline
  • Food sales growth highest since June 2012
  • E-commerce non-food sales up 7.6% in December

UK retail sales growth over the Christmas period was slower than last year, according to figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Like-for-like sales increased by 0.6% in December 2017 compared to a 1.0% increase in the previous year. Non-food sales saw a decline of 3.7% on a total basis and 4.4% on a like-for-like basis, marking the sharpest drop since BRC records began in December 2012. Food sales, however, experienced growth of 2.6% on a like-for-like basis and 4.2% on a total basis – the highest increase since June 2012 and above the 12-month average of 3.4%. E-commerce non-food sales rose by 7.6% in December. Helen Dickinson, BRC’s chief executive, commented that with inflation outpacing income growth, consumers are spending more on essential items like food, leaving less for Christmas gifts. She urged the government to avoid adding new tariffs during trade negotiations to ease pressure on spending.

Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about UK retail sales figures, comparing them to previous years and discussing the impact of inflation on consumer spending. It also includes relevant quotes from a source within the industry.
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about UK retail sales figures and offers some analysis on the reasons behind the decline in non-food sales. It also includes a quote from an expert. However, it could benefit from more context or data to support its claims and provide actionable insights for readers.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: UK retail sector
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses UK retail sales growth and its impact on consumer spending, which can affect the overall economy and financial markets.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no mention of an extreme event in the last 48 hours.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk