Retail sales in the UK were up by 1.8% in December 2013, as against 1.5% in December 2012, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG retail sales monitor.

The 1.8% growth was the lowest in 2013, claims the monitor.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

In 2013, the sales growth was driven by health & beauty and clothing sector, while other non-food sector was the strongest contributor to sales growth in December.

The UK online sales of non-food products have increased by 19.2% in December, as against a year earlier.

BRC director general Helen Dickinson said the result is in line with their prediction that while confidence levels were higher than the previous year, this was not always matched by more money in pockets.

"The last-minute rush also arrived as expected, giving a major boost to sales in the final few days before Christmas after a fairly flat showing mid-month."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

"Retailers will be hoping that a good response to new ranges coupled with a continuing boost from post-Christmas sales events gets 2014 off to a promising start," Dickinson added.

KPMG retail head David McCorquodale said after competitive campaigns run by the major retailers, those which provided a seamless service between channels will feel pleased, whilst those who discounted heavily to force sales will count the cost in margin.

"Overall, the month was slightly positive, particularly in fashion and health and beauty, with traditional gifts playing their part."

"The new year will lead retailers to invest more in multichannel capabilities and many will use the quieter first quarter to do just that, or face the prospect of losing out further. For consumers, paying for Christmas will be the first priority of 2014; until wage growth outpaces inflation many households will remain confined to a tight budget for the foreseeable future," McCorquodale added.