// The high streets saw a rise in shoppers thanks to Christmas shopping and the World Cup
// Total sales rose by 6.9% in December compared with a year earlier, up from November’s annual growth rate of 4.2%
The UK’s high streets witnessed an influx of shoppers thanks to Christmas shopping and the World Cup over December.
The sales growth picked up over the pivotal festive buying period, with a sharp rise on the same month in 2021, the BRC said.
Total sales rose by 6.9% in December compared with a year earlier, up from November’s annual growth rate of 4.2%.
However, the BRC said much of the rise was a result of high inflation pushing up the value of goods being sold.
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Last year, the value of retail sales rose by 3.1%, far below the annual inflation rate of more than 10%.
Retailers reported stronger sales for energy-saving products, warm clothing and boots as consumers tackle the inflation crisis.
The BRC said food sales were also strong, as families celebrated together at home for the first Christmas since 2019.
BRC chief executive, Helen Dickinson said: “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.”
