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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Mark Sweney

Retail sales in Great Britain rebound strongly after Christmas slump

Great Britain Office for National Statistics Economy
Shoppers in Windsor, Berkshire
Retail sales in the crucial Christmas period fell by more than initially estimated, after the ONS revised a 3.2% monthly fall in December to 3.3%. Photograph: Maureen McLean/Rex/Shutterstock

Retailers in Great Britain enjoyed the strongest rebound in monthly sales in almost three years in January as people returned to the shops after a slump in Christmas shopping.

Sales rose by 3.4% last month, the biggest monthly increase since April 2021, as all retail sectors except clothing stores experienced gains, providing welcome relief after dire Christmas trading, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Supermarkets had a good month, as did sports shops and department stores.

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