UK retail spending slows sharply in May as cost pressures weigh on households | Forexlive
UK consumer spending growth eased significantly in May following a strong April, with new data showing signs that rising household bills and ongoing economic uncertainty are beginning to curb shopper enthusiasm.
According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC),
- total retail sales rose just 1.0% year-on-year in May, a steep drop from the 7.0% increase recorded in April.
- Like-for-like sales saw a similar slowdown, increasing only 0.6% compared to 6.8% in the prior month — the weakest pace since November 2024.
Retail analysts pointed to early seasonal purchases and the drag from essential bill increases as key factors behind the softer performance. “While the sunshine continued, the pace of retail sales growth didn’t in May,” said Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG. “Households reflected upon the recent combination of essential bill rises, dampening some spending appetite.”
A separate report from Barclays also showed weakening momentum in overall consumer spending, which includes services and non-retail categories. Spending grew by 1.0% year-on-year in May, slowing sharply from April’s 4.5%. Nearly half of those surveyed by Barclays said they plan to cut back on discretionary spending, with consumer confidence slipping three points to 67%.
The softer data come as households continue to grapple with a 6% rise in the energy price cap that took effect in April, alongside broader cost-of-living pressures. With the Bank of England expected to hold interest rates steady at 4.25% next week, concerns about inflation and borrowing costs remain top of mind for both consumers and policymakers.
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