British retail sales up more than expected in January

By Mucahithan Avcioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - UK retail sales volumes rose more than expected in January, increasing 1.8% month-on-month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Friday.

Markets had forecast a 0.2% increase in January, following a 0.4% rise in the previous month.

"Growth in January 2026 was partly because of artwork and antiques sales, alongside continued strong sales from online jewellers," the ONS said in a statement.

The agency added that mail order retailers, predominantly online businesses, benefited from higher sales of sports supplements as well as sustained growth in online jewelry sales.

"Comments from jewellers reported that demand had hit unprecedented levels," it added.

Online sales values climbed 1.3% month-on-month in January and surged 14.7% compared with a year earlier.

On an annual basis, retail sales volumes advanced 4.5%, well above expectations of a 2.8% increase.

Over the three months to January, retail sales edged up 0.1%, supported by stronger automotive fuel sales and gains in non-food stores.