Retail sales grew by 1.2% year on year in January, slowing down from growth of 4.2% in January 2023, a survey showed on Tuesday.
The figures from the BRC and KPMG showed food sales growth decelerated to 6.3% over the three months to January, down from 8.0% a year prior.
Meanwhile, non-food sales fell by 1.8% annually over the three months to January.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "Easing inflation and weak consumer demand led retail sales growth to slow.”
“While the January sales helped to boost spending in the first two weeks, this did not sustain throughout the month.”
“Larger purchases, such as furniture, household appliances, and electricals, remained weak as the higher cost of living continued into its third year.”
“The milder temperatures meant clothing sales performed poorly, particularly winter clothing and footwear.”
“It was better news for health and beauty products, which continued to sell extremely well."