Retail sales drop in December due to shoppers cutting back

According to official statistics, retail sales decreased by 1% in December due to shoppers cutting back on spending.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retailers said that “consumers are making a cut in spending due to increased prices and affordability concerns”.

Non-food stores saw a sharp decline in sales, while food stores reported a drop in sales.

The ONS also revised November figures.

According to the company, sales volumes decreased by 0.5% rather than the 0.4% decline originally estimated.