UK retail sales fall below seasonal norms in Jan: CBI survey

Sales are expected to remain below seasonal norms in February (minus 17 per cent).

The survey of 101 firms, including 42 retailers, was conducted between December 22 and January 18. This was a period when the UK was operating under tightened COVID restrictions amid the spread of the omicron variant.

Growth in orders placed with suppliers eased markedly, despite this base effect. Internet sales were broadly flat in the year to January and are expected to remain broadly flat in the year to February, a CBI press release said.

Across the distribution sector, stock volumes in relation to expected sales were seen as too low, after being broadly adequate last month, with relative stock levels seen as too low in each of the three main sectors. Relative stocks are expected to remain too low again in February.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)