Retail association demands government action as December sales fall

A leading retail trade association is calling for urgent government intervention following disappointing December retail figures, which show sales volumes fell by 0.3 per cent following a modest 0.1 per cent rise in November 2024.

The figures reveal that while non-food stores such as clothing retailers saw some recovery, this was insufficient to offset falls in other sectors, particularly supermarkets.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, believes these figures highlight the urgent need for government support for the retail sector.

Andrew Goodacre (pictured), CEO of Bira, said: "The retail sales in December perfectly sum up the difficulties that retailers (especially non-food retailers) have faced in 2024.

“Consumer confidence has been low all year despite wages rising more than inflation and a new government being elected.

“It also means that many retailers will look forward to 2025 with much trepidation, especially as we know that the costs of running a shop are set to increase significantly from April onwards – increases in employment costs and 140 per cent increase in business rates.

“We are urging the government to reconsider reversing the rates increase if they are serious about revitalising high streets."

This call for action comes as retailers face mounting pressures from upcoming cost increases, with the planned business rates rise posing a particular threat to independent high street retailers.