UK’s January sales failed to revive consumer spending, say retailers

Shoppers walk past sale signs in York city centre. Total sales rose by 1.2% in January compared with a year earlier. Photograph: Zac Goodwin/PA

The traditional January sales on the high street failed to inspire a revival in consumer spending last month, as households continued to cut back amid the cost of living crisis.

Britain’s largest retailers said sales growth slowed last month as higher living costs weighed heavily on consumers, while weather conditions and strikes on the transport network also hit spending.