Retail sales volumes fell by 3.2% in December in the sharpest drop since the UK was in a Covid lockdown says the ONS.
Official figures revealed a sharp decline in demand for goods, but surprisingly food sales also declined in the run-up to Christmas.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said it appeared people did their shopping earlier in November, taking advantage of Black Friday sales.
The latest ONS data indicates that sales tumbled at the fastest rate since January 2021.
Monthly change in UK retail sales 2019 – 2023
