What it measures
Retail sales measure the quantity of goods bought in shops and online in Great Britain. Unlike U.S. retail sales, the headline is in volume terms, so higher prices alone do not raise it. The calendar shows the change from the previous month.
Who publishes it and when
The ONS publishes the Retail Sales release at 07:00 London time, usually in the second half of the month after the one it covers.
How it is put together
It comes from the Monthly Business Survey of retailers. Large one-off events such as unusual weather, holidays or big sales periods can move a single month, and seasonal adjustment around those periods is difficult.
What traders watch
Traders look at sales excluding automotive fuel and at the three-month trend, as well as revisions to the previous month.
How markets have usually reacted
A clear surprise has sometimes moved the pound in its direction, but reactions are usually moderate and can be overshadowed by inflation and jobs data.
Common mistakes
- Comparing it directly with U.S. retail sales, which are not adjusted for prices.
- Treating a weather-driven month as a change in the trend.
How a higher or lower figure is usually read
Higher sales than last month are usually read as supportive for the pound; lower sales as negative. Not a signal.
Release history
| Date | Period | Actual | Previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | -0.4% | 0.7% |
Related news
- UK GDP (monthly)
- UK Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- Bank of England Rate Decision (Bank Rate)
- Economic calendar: every release this week in your time zone
- Lot size calculator: keep your risk the same around news
- How to use an economic calendar: what happens around a release, and how to plan for it
Trading involves a high risk of loss. This page is information and education, not advice or a signal to trade. See the Risk Disclaimer.
Official source
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Calendar data: www.ons.gov.uk
Published by Office for National Statistics (ONS): www.ons.gov.uk