November retail sales dampened by lockdown store closures

Total retail sales increased 0.9% year on year compared with a 0.9% decline in November 2019, according to the BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor. 

This was below the three-month average growth of 3.9% and above the 12-month average decline of 0.3%.

Excluding temporarily closed stores but including online, retail sales also improved by 7.7% on a like-for-like basis compared with November last year, when they had decreased 1.3% from 2018.

Over the three-month period to November, in-store sales of non-food items declined 19% on a total basis and 11% on a like-for-like basis, but this was higher than the 12-month total average decline of 22%.

Sales of non-food in general improved – over the three months to November, non-food sales grew by 6.4% on a like-for-like basis and 1.3% on a total basis, which was above the 12-month average growth of 4.8%.

Online non-food sales fared particularly well, increasing by 47% in November compared with 0.3% growth in November 2019.

Food sales continued to be in growth year on year – over the three months to November, food sales increased 6.4% on a like-for-like basis and 7% on a total basis. 

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “November saw the brakes put on the sales growth that had been seen over the previous three months. 

“In-store non-food sales saw a significant decline as a result of the lockdown in England, however some retailers were able to offset a proportion of lost sales through greater online and click-and-collect sales, ensuring they could still serve their customers. 

“Extended discount periods helped spread demand and offered customers great deals on gifts including the latest gaming consoles, other electronics and home accessories.

“However, the disparity between online and in-store non-food sales widened, with the highest online penetration rate since May. Non-food stores once again experienced double-digit decline as tighter restrictions were brought in across England.”

KPMG head of retail Paul Martin added: “Despite the ongoing unprecedented environment, UK retail fought hard during November to win growth on last year.  

“It was a tale of two channels, however, as lockdown resulted in a dismal performance for high street retailers, while online sales rose by impressive double figures across most categories.

“The gap between winners and losers continues with home-focused items such as technology and household appliances putting in a very strong performance, while fashion sales fell away at a significant level.  

“The evolution of Black Friday from a day to now spanning multiple weeks has further distorted trading patterns and will have likely brought Christmas purchases forward. 

“Despite this, high street retailers will still be hoping that consumers will be pounding the pavements in the coming weeks as they battle hard to make up for lost ground in this crucial time.”