Food sales increased 7.9% on a total basis and 7.7% on a like-for-like basis over the three months to December, new data reveals.
The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for December 2022 shows food growth was 3.0% for the year.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of British Retail Consortium, said: “After an exceptionally challenging year which saw inflation climb and consumer confidence plummet, the uptick in spending over Christmas gave many retailers cause for cheer. Many consumers braved the cold snap and the strikes to ensure friends and families got the gifts they wanted, with energy-saving products, warm clothing and boots all selling well. Nonetheless, despite the stronger sales, growth remained below inflation, making December the ninth consecutive month of falling volumes.
“Retail faces further headwinds in 2023. Cost pressures show little immediate signs of waning, and consumer spending will be further constrained by increasing living costs. Retailers are juggling big cost increases while trying to keep prices as low as possible for their customers.”
