ISTANBUL 

The UK retail sales volume increased unexpectedly in December 2025, rising 0.4% on a monthly basis, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on Friday.

The markets had expected the sales to not change in December, following a 0.1% decline in the previous month.

"Non-store retailers' volumes rose in December 2025, following falls in October and November, with online jewellers reporting that demand for precious metals picked up in December," said an ONS statement.

In December, non-store retailers rebounded, with online jewellers confirming renewed demand for precious metals, following a decline in November 2025.

"There was also a small rise for supermarkets and sales of automotive fuel, while non-food stores (the total of department, clothing, household, and other non-food stores) fell 0.9% on the month," it noted.

Meanwhile, online sales values rose 1.8% over the month to December 2025, and by 11.1% year-on-year.

On an annual basis, retail sales volumes rose 2.5%, well above estimates of a 1% rise.

On the other hand, in the three months leading to December, sales volumes fell 0.3%.

In the whole 2025, retail sales volumes increased 1.3% in 2025, following a rise of 0.2% in 2024, and falls in both 2022 and 2023.

"Despite this being the second consecutive annual rise, volumes did not recover from the 2023 fall, and remained below 2019 pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic levels," it added.