UK retail sales unexpectedly fell in February as the reopening of the economy prompted consumers to dine out instead of shop at home while storms also sent shoppers away.
The Office for National Statistics said UK sales volumes fell 0.3% between January and February, the Office for National Statistics said on Friday, a change from the opening forecast. wide 0.6% in a Reuters poll. This was down sharply from a 1.9% increase in the previous month.
The figures show that the value of money is shrinking as inflation squeezes money in their wallets. In February, shoppers spent 0.7% more than the previous month, but bought 0.3% less goods, ONS data showed. Inflation, at a 30-year high, will accelerate as energy prices rise.
Food sales fell 0.2 percent, with liquor and tobacco stores dropping significantly as more consumers went to pubs and restaurants.
Heather Bovill, ONS VP of Economic Surveys and Indicators, said: “More socializing and more of us returning to work means a good month for clothing and department store for those who want to expand their wardrobe. Sales at non-food stores rose 0.6% last month on strong growth in clothing.
Household goods and many other stores reported a drop in sales, with feedback suggesting stormy weather in February could take its toll.
The surge in travel after Britain lifted coronavirus restrictions at the end of January caused fuel sales to exceed pre-pandemic levels for the first time. They were up 3.6%.
Online retail sales fell to 28% in February 2022, the lowest share since March 2020, but still above pre-pandemic levels.
