Furniture sales saw a rare month of sales growth in February but non-food sales were flat.
With many furniture transaction in January converting to sales in February, UK retail sales were static in February, according to BRC/KPMG, with growth of 1.1% matching that of 2024. This was below the three-month average growth of 2.4% but above the 12-month average growth of 0.8%.
Non-food sales were flat year on year in February, against a decline of 2.7% in February 2024. In-store non-food sales decreased by 1% while online non-food sales climbed by 1.9%. Annual food sales grew by 2.3% in February, but this was well down on 2024’s 5.6%.
‘Consumers remain cautious with their spending and many are continuing to prioritise saving, travel and experiences. Nervousness about the economy is deferring other big ticket purchasing, but occasions and offers are still tempting shoppers into some impulsive spending. Valentine’s, for example, brought a jewellery sales boost to the high street, in what was otherwise a flat month for in-store buying,’ says Linda Ellett, KPMG UK head of consumer, retail and leisure.
