Retail & Consumer Goods Retail and consumer services UK-wide

Retail sector market overview

UK retail market statistics, ecommerce growth trends, and investment opportunities for retailers operating in Great Britain.

Guide summary

Know the UK retail market: £517bn in sales, 27% online, and growing. Comply with consumer rights (30-day refunds), data protection (get consent for marketing), and age-restricted sales rules (Challenge 25). Use government support such as business rates relief for smaller shops and the High Streets Task Force for town centre regeneration.

  • Check consumer rights: 30-day refund for faulty goods
  • Get consent before sending marketing emails
  • Display Challenge 25 signs for alcohol and tobacco
  • Keep customer data secure and delete when no longer needed
  • Use business rates relief for smaller premises
  • Contact the High Streets Task Force for town centre help
  • Apply for local authority grants for shop front improvements
  • Follow Trading Standards rules on pricing and product safety
  • Report online sales to HMRC if you sell online
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Detailed market performance

Retail sales in Great Britain were worth £517 billion in 2024, representing a 1.4% increase on 2023. The sector employed 2.6 million people across 304,560 retail businesses as of January 2025.

Ecommerce and online retail growth

Online sales continue to represent a significant portion of total retail sales. In December 2024, online retail sales accounted for 27.0% of all retail sales, demonstrating sustained digital adoption beyond the pandemic.

The value of online sales reached £127.41 billion in the year ending December 2024, up 3.4% from £123.3 billion in 2023. UK retail ecommerce is projected to reach 30.7% of total retail sales by the end of 2025.

Sector performance by retail type

Performance varies across different retail subsectors. In 2024, non-food stores saw sales growth of 1.2%, non-store retailing (including online and markets) grew 3.2%, and automotive fuel increased 3.8%. Food stores experienced a decline of 1.2%.

Despite growth in 2024, retail sales volumes remain 2.5% below their pre-Covid levels, indicating ongoing challenges in consumer spending patterns.

Total GB retail sales (2024)
£517 billion
Annual sales growth (2024)
1.4% increase
Number of retail businesses
304,560 (Jan 2025)
Retail sector employment
2.6 million jobs
Online sales percentage
27.0% of total retail (Dec 2024)
Online sales value (2024)
£127.41 billion
Projected online share (2025)
30.7% of total retail

Market challenges and trends

The retail sector faces ongoing pressures including increased operating costs, changing consumer behaviour, and the shift to online shopping. In 2024, an estimated 13,479 stores closed, a 28% increase from 2023.

Footfall on high streets, retail parks and shopping centres declined by 2.2% in December 2024 compared to the previous year. Retailers must adapt to evolving consumer preferences while managing rising costs from increases to National Insurance contributions and minimum wage requirements.

Official market statistics and research

Industry resources and support

Retailers can access support from trade associations, government bodies, and industry organisations:

Retail compliance overview

Key regulatory requirements affecting retail businesses: