Food sales edged up 2.4% in the three months to November as more shoppers plan to increase spending this Christmas.

According to the latest British Retail Consortium (BRC)-KPMG retail sales monitor, while this figure was below the 12-month average growth of 3.7%, for the month of November, food was in growth year-on-year and was one of the only categories to see an in-store or online sales uplift.

IGD CEO Sarah Bradbury said: “November’s grocery market performance shows year on year growth in both value and volume. IGD’s latest research highlights signs of festive cheer, with 5% more shoppers than last year (41% vs 36% in 2023) planning to spend what they want this Christmas.”

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However, she added that despite this uplift, “it’s unlikely to be a bumper Christmas for all, as many remain focused on budgeting.

“The festive optimism is there, but the underlying caution means spending will still be influenced by economic pressures, especially on out-of-home activities.”

It comes as total UK retail sales decreased 3.3% year on year last month, against a growth of 2.6% in November 2023.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said that while it was “undoubtedly a bad start to the festive season”, she added that “the poor spending figures were primarily down to the movement of Black Friday into the December figures this year.”

She explained: “Low consumer confidence and rising energy bills have clearly dented non-food spending. Retailers will be hoping that seasonal spending is delayed not diminished and that customers get spending in the remaining weeks running up to Christmas.

“If not, retailers will be feeling the squeeze from both sides as reduced revenues are met with huge additional costs next year.”