UK retail sales rose by 1.1% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis in October 2026, slightly below forecasts of 1.2% but faster than the previous month’s 1.0% increase and marking the sharpest rise since June. Total retail sales increased by 1.5%, accelerating from September’s 1.3% growth. Food sales rose 3.2%, while non-food sales remained flat, as consumers stayed cautious ahead of the festive shopping season and Black Friday promotions. Meanwhile, Barclays’ measure of consumer card spending increased by 2.3% year-on-year, up from 2.0% in September and marking its strongest growth since July 2025. Essential spending climbed by 3.1%, driven by a 22.7% surge in fuel spending, while non-essential spending rose by 1.9%. Entertainment spending recorded its strongest month since September 2024, following Glastonbury ticket sales. However, consumer confidence showed its least optimism about the UK economy since April, amid higher household costs and uncertainty ahead of the upcoming budget.