UK shoppers inspired by health food trends on social media ‘lift retail sales’

One in five consumers (19%) said they had recently been influenced by social media content to make a health or beauty purchase, rising to 40% for gen Z. Photograph: Champa Bangari/Alamy

Shoppers inspired by health food trends on social media helped lift retail sales in January, easing pressure on high-street stores after a gloomy festive period.

Barclays said credit and debit card spending grew 1.9% year on year in January – the highest upsurge since March 2024.