February’s grey, wet weather hit retail sales hard, says the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
According to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor, UK Total retail sales increased by 1.1% year on year in February, against a growth of 1.1% in February 2025. This was below the 12-month average growth of 2.3%.
Food sales increased by 2.9% year on year in February, against a growth of 2.3% in February 2025. This was below the 12-month average growth of 3.8%.
Non-Food sales decreased by 0.4% year on year in February, against 0.0% in February 2025. This was below the 12-month average growth of 1.0%.
In-Store Non-Food sales increased by 0.2% year on year in February, against a decline of 1.0% in February 2025. This was below the 12-month average growth of 1.0%.
Online Non-Food sales decreased by 1.3% year on year in February, against a growth of 1.9% in February 2025. This was below the 12-month average growth of 1.2%.
The online penetration rate (the proportion of Non-Food items bought online) decreased to 36.1% in February from 36.3% in February 2025. This was below the 12-month average of 37.3%.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Spending was weak across most categories, online and instore, as households pulled back after Christmas and January’s rebound. Food sales were flat in real terms as shoppers tightened their belts. Valentine’s Day did provide a bright spot, with jewellery, watches and perfume performing better as people still treated loved ones.
“While retailers look to Spring and better weather to lift spirits and revive sales, conflict in the Middle East threatens knocking any recovery off course. Prolonged low consumer confidence adds strain on retailers already facing mounting cost pressures, higher taxes and a growing regulatory burden. At such a time, government’s top priority should be to avoid piling on further cost and complexity and to think carefully about the real world impacts of aspects of the Employment Rights Act. Without realism and restraint, retailers will struggle to invest in the jobs the economy needs and prices households can afford.”
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure, KPMG, said: “Health and wellbeing related purchases helped to drive modest monthly retail sales growth in February. But minus food and drink sales, the momentum wasn’t strong enough to keep growth going for total non-food goods.
“While some channels, categories, and brands are showing there is still room to thrive, the combination of ongoing business costs and limited consumer spending is challenging others – with efficiency drives and technological transformation continuing at pace.”
