UK retail sales rise in January 2026 as online spending stays strong

The Office for National Statistics has reported a notable rebound in UK retail sales in January 2026. Retail sales volumes increased by 1.8% compared with December 2025, marking the largest monthly rise since May 2024.

Looking beyond the monthly spike, the broader picture is steadier. In the three months to January 2026, retail sales volumes were up 0.1% compared with the previous three month period. Compared with the same three months a year earlier, volumes were 2.6% higher.

On an annual basis, January 2026 retail sales volumes were 4.5% higher than January 2025. Volumes were also effectively back at pre pandemic levels, standing at 0.0% compared with February 2020.

What drove the increase in retail sales

The ONS highlights automotive fuel and non food stores as key contributors to the rise in January. It also notes category specific strength linked to activity in artwork and antiques, including auctions and galleries, alongside continued strength from online jewellers.

Supermarkets recorded a fall, which partially offset the gains seen elsewhere.

Online retail spending in January 2026

Online spending values rose by 1.3% in January 2026 compared with December. Over the year, online spending values increased by 14.7%, the largest annual growth rate since April 2021.

Across the latest three month period, online spending values were 1.8% higher than the previous three months and 10.8% higher than the same three months a year earlier.

Despite the rise in online spending values, the online share of total retail spending edged down slightly from 28.3% in December to 28.2% in January, while total retail spending values rose by 1.6% on the month.

Why this matters for the UK economy

A strong January reading can signal improved consumer activity after the Christmas period, but the flatter three month trend suggests the overall direction of travel remains modest. The combination of stronger non food categories and a dip in supermarket activity may also point to changes in spending patterns rather than a broad based surge.

Source

Office for National Statistics, Retail sales, Great Britain, January 2026

What happened to UK retail sales in January 2026

Retail sales volumes rose 1.8% compared with December 2025, according to the ONS.

How did online retail perform in January 2026

Online spending values rose 1.3% month on month and increased 14.7% year on year.

Are retail sales back to pre pandemic levels

The ONS reports January 2026 volumes at 0.0% compared with February 2020, effectively back to pre pandemic levels.

If you paste your site topic and audience, for example retail investors, business owners, or consumers, I can tune the wording, add related keywords, and suggest internal links and a call to action that fits your pages.