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December Retail Sales Rise 1.2%, Food Inflation Drives Growth

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Retail sales increased by 1.2% in December, below the 12-month average of 2.3%, according to the British Retail Consortium.
Non-food sales fell by 0.3%, while food sales remained resilient, helped by 4.3% grocery inflation.
Aldi and Lidl posted strong sales growth, and Tesco and Sainsbury’s shares fell despite some sales increases.
Argos reported a 2.2% decline in sales as the general merchandise sector weakened.

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Story summary

Retail sales increased by 1.2% in December, below the 12-month average of 2.3%, according to the British Retail Consortium.
Non-food sales fell by 0.3%, while food sales remained resilient, helped by 4.3% grocery inflation.
Aldi and Lidl posted strong sales growth, and Tesco and Sainsbury’s shares fell despite some sales increases.
Argos reported a 2.2% decline in sales as the general merchandise sector weakened.