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Cost-conscious shoppers curbed spending over the Christmas period adding to the woes of retailers, official figures show.
Retail sales unexpectedly fell by 1% in December, the second month of decline, according to the Office for National Statistics.
It was far worse than the 0.5% rise predicted by economists.
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Compared with December 2021, sales were down 5.8% – the biggest fall since 1997.
The data is further evidence of the pressure the cost-of-living crisis is putting on households, as continuing high inflation fuels prices.
Spending in non-food shops dropped by 2.1% during the month.
Food sales fared better, with just a 0.3% fall in December.
Grocery sales had risen 1% in November, leading some to speculate buyers were stocking up early for Christmas.
Online retailers also took a hit as a result of the postal strikes, leading to concerns about delayed deliveries.
The proportion of online sales fell to 25.4% in December, from 25.9% the month before.
It is the latest sign of the pressure the cost-of-living crisis is putting on households up and down the country.
Sales volumes were 1.7% below their February 2020 levels, before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
ONS deputy director for surveys and economic indicators, Heather Bovill, said: “Retail sales dropped again in December, with feedback suggesting consumers cut back on their Christmas shopping due to affordability concerns.
“After last month’s boost as shoppers stocked up early, food sales fell back again in December with supermarkets reporting this was due to increased food prices and the rising cost of living.
“Online sales dipped with feedback indicating postal strikes were leading people towards purchasing more goods instore.”
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The figures came as a survey…
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