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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Mark Sweney

Retail sales in Great Britain plummet as Christmas shoppers cut back

Shoppers on London's Oxford Street in December 2023
The Office for National Statistics says overall retail sales volumes fell 2.8% in 2023. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Retailers in Great Britain suffered a dire Christmas as cash-strapped consumers cut back on shopping in December, fuelling the biggest fall in monthly sales since shops were forced to close during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.

Sales plummeted 3.2% month on month as retailers across the board suffered as the cost of living crisis resulted in consumers making tough decisions, including choosing between buying food or presents.

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