Selfridges blames slump in tourists shopping for luxury goods as sales fall

Selfridges says the axing of tax-free shopping for tourists has made the UK a less attractive destination for wealthy visitors. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Selfridges has blamed a slump in the number of international tourists shopping for luxury goods in the UK and weaker consumer confidence for a fall in annual sales, as the retailer racked up losses for a fifth year in a row.

The upmarket department store chain reported a 7% decline in sales in the 48 weeks to 4 January 2025 to £775m compared with £835m recorded over the 53 weeks of its previous year.