UK retail downturn deepened in June, CBI survey shows

June 25, 2026 6:11 AM EDT

A woman walks with a Selfridges shopping bag on Carnaby Street in London, Britain, December 28, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes

June 25 (Reuters) - British ‌retail sales slid ​further ​this month, with sales far below the norm expected for this time of year, ‌according to a survey on Thursday that added ⁠to signs of a slowdown underway in Britain's economy.

The Confederation of ‌British Industry said its ‌monthly retail sales balance, a gauge of sales volumes over the past year, fell to -54 in June ​from -46 in May.

For the three-month average to June, the balance fell to -56 from -55, the lowest reading ⁠since records began in 1983.

The CBI survey followed an unexpectedly downbeat reading from ​the closely-watched S&P Global business surveys, which do not cover retail but are widely viewed ​as an early indicator of ‌economic growth.

"Retailers reported a gloomy start to the summer, with sales disappointing relative to ⁠seasonal norms to the greatest extent in over two years amid depressed consumer sentiment and rising cost pressures," said ⁠CBI lead economist Martin Sartorius.

"A sharp fall in year-on-year retail sales ​was mirrored across the broader distribution sector, with wholesalers and motor traders seeing firm sales declines."

A separate CBI survey on Tuesday ‌showed British manufacturing orders deteriorated this month at the fastest rate since September 2020.

Sartorius ‌said businesses needed clarity and stability from Britain's likely ⁠next prime minister Andy ‌Burnham, as well ​as policies that reduced the cost of doing business.

(Reporting by Andy Bruce; editing by Suban ‌Abdulla)



Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

You May Also Be Interested In





Related Categories

Reuters