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Retailers endured a disappointing Christmas, new knowledge exhibits, as households “battened down the hatches” amid value of residing pressures.

Sales grew by simply 1.7pc in December in comparison with a 12 months earlier, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) stated, regardless of inflation possible being at the very least twice as excessive. It suggests individuals purchased a decrease quantity of issues from retailers than they did a 12 months earlier.

Helen Dickinson, BRC chief govt, stated it was an underwhelming finish to a troublesome 12 months for store house owners.

Ms Dickinson stated: “The festive period failed to make amends for a challenging year of sluggish retail sales growth, as weak consumer confidence continued to hold back spending.”

Retailers reported disappointing gross sales of typical reward gadgets like garments, jewelry and devices.

Separate figures from Barclays present spend on clothes fell by 2pc in December, whereas total retail spend elevated by solely 0.6pc.

Paul Martin, UK head of retail at KPMG, stated: “As we start a new year, cautious consumers are battening down the hatches and retailers can expect to see significant downward pressures on demand in the opening months of this year.”

BRC chief govt Helen Dickinson warned that disruption to shipments via the Red Sea from battle within the Middle East meant retailers have been additionally dealing with a troublesome begin to the brand new 12 months.

Ms Dickinson stated: “2024 looks to be another challenging year for retailers and their customers, and spending will continue to be constrained by high living costs. Retailers will also have to juggle various cost pressures, including the rise to business rates this April.”

Restaurants are struggling in addition to retailers, Barclays knowledge confirmed.

Total card spending in eating places fell by 8.8pc, whereas the variety of transactions dropped by 13.1pc, in line with the financial institution’s shopper card knowledge.

Simon Stenning, founding father of The Future of Foodservice, a consultancy, stated: “Whether households are renting or they have a mortgage, their disposable incomes have been dramatically affected and that has naturally meant there has been a reduced frequency of eating out.”