Image source, Getty ImagesByShakira AbdiBusiness reporterPublished20 February 2026 An increase in demand for sports supplements likely driven by New Year's resolutions helped lift retail sales by more than expected to 1.8% in January. Continuing strong sales from online jewellers after a recent spike in gold prices was a key driver in the increase, as were artwork and antique auctions. The 1.8% increase in January was the strongest monthly growth since May 2024, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show, and much higher than the 0.2% predicted by some economists. But analysts said the uptick could be temporary, as sales nearly flatlined in the three months to January, and a weak jobs market potentially added to consumer caution. Sales volumes in non-store retailing, which is mostly online, grew by 3.4% over the month. Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said the weather played its part here, pushing people away from the high street and onto their laptops.
Published: February 20, 2026 11:23 am
Source: BBC — Read original