The second national lockdown in November saw retail sales record their first fall since April as Covid restrictions once again forced non-essential shops to close down. 

Retail sales volumes fell 3.8 per cent last month, with clothing retailers suffering the biggest slump as the sector recorded a 19 per cent decline since October, figures by the Office for National Statistics show.  

But November’s decline was limited by a sharp pick-up in online sales and healthy spending in supermarkets and other essential retailers.

Retail sales fell last month as non-essential shops were forced to close due to a new lockdown

Retail sales fell last month as non-essential shops were forced to close due to a new lockdown

Retail sales fell last month as non-essential shops were forced to close due to a new lockdown 

Almost one in every three pounds spent during the month was spent online, as online sales now make up 31.4 per cent of total retail sales, up from 28.6 per cent in October.

Online sales rose 6.3 per cent over the month and are up a massive 75 per cent compared to last year, helped by heavy discounts and Britons completing their Christmas shopping digitally.    

‘Feedback from retailers suggests that as well as the impact of physical store closures, there was also evidence that consumers began buying Christmas gifts earlier this year and that promotional activities had increased sales,’ the ONS said. 

November’s fall in sales was also limited by strong sales of food and household goods, which were the only sectors to show growth during the month, rising 3.1 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively.

The ONS said retailers suggested that food sales in November were boosted by restrictions to hospitality operators such as bars and restaurants. 

Despite the monthly fall, overall sales remain above their pre-pandemic levels as they are up 2.4 per cent compared to November last year.  

Retail sectors: Clothing and fuel were particularly hit by the winter lockdown

Retail sectors: Clothing and fuel were particularly hit by the winter lockdown

Retail sectors: Clothing and fuel were particularly hit by the winter lockdown

Deputy national statistician for economic statistics Jonathan Athow said: ‘After a run of strong growth, retail sales fell back in November as restrictions meant many stores had to close their doors again.

‘Clothing and fuel were particularly hit by the winter lockdown, with their sales falling sharply.

‘Household goods and food shops were the only areas to see their monthly sales increase, with feedback from stores suggesting consumers brought forward their Christmas spending, particularly on festive home products and DIY.

‘Food sales, especially click and collect, were boosted as people were not able to eat out.’

It comes as November saw the biggest annual fall in clothing and footwear prices in a decade – due in part to unusually large Black Friday discounts – and contributed to inflation falling sharply to 0.3 per cent, figures released this week showed. 

Summary: Retail sales main figures for November

Summary: Retail sales main figures for November

Summary: Retail sales main figures for November

Aled Patchett, head of retail and consumer at Lloyds Bank, said November’s sales highlighted once again the polarising effect of Covid-19 on retail. 

‘Subsectors like grocery and homeware perform well – and should be expected to have a strong finish to the year – while others including big-name high street brands fall foul of significantly reduced footfall,’ he said.

‘Despite most shoppers having wrapped up their Covid Christmas shopping online this year, shops – particularly in smaller towns – will be hoping that the vaccine rollout inspires greater consumer confidence in the New Year as people return to city centres for both work and play.’ 

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This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk

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