Demand for online jewellery boosts December retail sales

ONS data show retail sales rose 0.4% in December, helped by stronger internet shopping and higher demand for gold and silver from online jewellers.

Retail sales in the UK rose 0.4% in December, the Office for National Statistics reported. Internet shopping performed well and online jewellers said they saw higher demand for gold and silver after a November lull. Non-food stores such as department, clothing and household retailers saw sales fall by 0.9% in December. The ONS also said sales volumes fell 0.3% in the final three months of 2025 compared with the previous quarter and that annual retail sales were up 1.3% for 2025. Key points: - Retail sales rose 0.4% month-on-month in December, according to the ONS. - Online jewellers reported increased demand for precious metals, notably gold and silver. - Non-food retailers (department, clothing and household stores) saw a 0.9% decline in December. - Sales volumes fell 0.3% in the final quarter of 2025 compared with the previous quarter. - Retail sales across 2025 were 1.3% higher than in 2024, but remain below 2019 levels. Summary: The monthly increase in December was supported by internet retailing and stronger sales at online jewellers, and it was larger than some expected. At the same time the quarter showed a small fall in volumes and retail activity remains below pre-pandemic levels. Undetermined at this time.