(ONS) The UK posted a 3.7% decline in retail sales volume in December 2021, with some retailers citing the impacts of the Omicron variant.
The fall in retail sales in December happens after a robust November, with the levels still maintaining 2.6% above the pre-pandemic period.
Automotive fuel sales declined by 4.7% in December, with the level 6.6% below February 2020.
Food stores saw retail sales plunge by 1.0%, although the levels were 2.0% above the pre-pandemic period.
Online retail sales in December hit an overall proportion of 26.6%, slightly above 26.3% reach in November. The sales were 19.7% above the pre-pandemic period.
Overall, retail sales jumped by 5.1% between 2020 and 2021, the highest since 2004, with the jump connected to the removal of restrictions imposed in 2020.
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