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Retail sales record first decline in 15 months, with big-ticket items suffering particularly hard
Spending data point to inflation squeeze on households
Market Questions is the FT’s guide to the week ahead
Quantity of goods bought falls by 0.3% as economists warn that consumer confidence is likely to worsen
Retailers are braced for a sharp deceleration to the post-pandemic spending boom
B&Q owner points to sector’s resilience during crises after posting £1bn earnings for first time
Online grocer cites inflation and normalisation of habits as sales drop
Increase is first for five years and comes despite chain stores continuing to shrink presence
Demand for home improvement items boosts sales at DIY stores and garden centres in January
Increase in consumer card use falls to its lowest level since last April, data shows
Fall of 3.7% far worse than the 0.6% decline economists expected
Sainsbury’s, JD Sports and Dunelm all benefited from festive spending after lockdowns the year before
Discounter says squeeze on household budgets is ‘top priority’ for most consumers
High street favourite worth more than Boohoo and Asos combined after strong recovery
Footfall down sharply for traditional Boxing Day sales as devolved administrations bring in tighter Covid curbs
Retail sales beat expectations as shoppers buy gifts early to avoid being caught out by stock shortages
Shoppers go Christmas shopping early in anticipation of potential shipping and transport delays
Higher interest payments on debt also a factor despite boost in business activity fuelling tax receipts rise
Rise eases economists’ concerns about spending recovery before Black Friday and Christmas
Labour costs drop and output per hour rises as businesses operate with fewer workers
Overseas travel and public transport also record strongest performance since before pandemic
PMI figures hit 3-month high while input cost inflation and output prices rise at fastest pace since 1998
August’s 0.9% decline misses forecast of 0.5% increase and raises concern for pace of UK recovery
Consumers spend more on going out to cinemas and bars and less on groceries
Company says customers are purchasing cards less often than during full lockdowns
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