Winter sale reductions drew shoppers last month, but retailers saw less of an impact than a year ago.
Non-food retail sales rose by 1.7% from 4-31 January, according to the latest BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor.
However, the rise compares with a 2.5% increase in 2025.
Total retail sales climbed by 2.7%, up on 2025’s 2.6%.
The BRC and KPMG said that the sales rise was driven by shoppers taking advantage of post-Christmas discounts after sales rose by 1.8% in December.
‘January sales enticed consumers to spend, with personal electronics, furniture, and children’s clothes and toys all among the best performing categories,’ says Linda Ellett, KPMG UK head of consumer, retail and leisure.
‘A drab December gave way to a brighter January as retail sales picked up pace. Many shoppers had held off Christmas spending and waited for the January sales, with the start of the new year showing the strongest growth. Bargain hunting was not limited to online, with in-store sales showing the highest growth in over six months,’ says Helen Dickinson, BRC ceo.
