Retail sales volumes decreased by 0.1% on a monthly basis in November, compared to a 0.9% decline in October, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

However, sales volumes increased by 0.6% in the three months leading to November compared to the three months to August.

Retail food stores experienced a 0.6% decline in the three months to November and fell by 0.5% on a monthly basis.

The data also found that supermarket sales volumes decreased for the fourth consecutive month, driven by lower footfall at retailers.

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Jacqui Baker, head of retail at RSM UK and chair of ICAEW’s Retail Group, said: “Speculation around potential tax hikes and the wettest weather seen this year dampened retail sales in November.

“The drop in sales compounded a bleak start to the all-important Golden Quarter, not even Black Friday deals could entice shoppers to splurge ahead of Christmas, with the biggest fall in online.”

She added: “Consumer confidence has ticked up in December highlighting a potential budget bounce which will hopefully translate into a late surge in sales as people hit the high street in a last-minute rush. Budget jitters should have subsided now and with no major shocks, confidence should start to improve just in time to turn around fortunes in the Golden Quarter.

Sandra Prince, head of consumer at Lloyds, said: “Sales growth might have dipped, but retailers remain focused on maximising opportunities at the close of the Golden Quarter and are looking to build on momentum that was generated with shoppers that secured Black Friday bargains.

“Behind the scenes, businesses are accelerating investment in digital innovation and loyalty programmes to ensure they start the new year from a position of strength.

“Looking ahead to 2026, we anticipate an even sharper focus on in‑store experience as retailers work to deepen customer relationships and reinforce resilience in a competitive market.”