The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has today (22 January) highlighted how some small signs of recovery in consumer confidence could signal growth for the retail sector in 2026.
According to new BRC-Opinium data, consumer expectations over the next three months of the state of the economy improved to -32 in January, up from -38 in December. Their personal financial situation improved to -8 in January, up from -10 in December.
However, their personal spending on retail fell to -6 points this month, down from +6 in December and their personal spending overall fell to +5 in January, down from +17 in December.
Helen Dickinson (left), chief executive of the BRC, said: “The new year brought hints of optimism, with the second consecutive improvement in consumer confidence in the economy and in people’s own finances.
“This was the highest in five months, though similar to a year earlier. The contrasting sharp fall in spending expectations - both retail and overall - was expected as the festive season came to a close. This was most keenly felt by Millennials and Gen X – the generations most likely to have children living at home.”
“The renewed optimism is encouraging, but shows just how important it is for the Government to build momentum…”
Dickinson added that she was cautiously optimistic about January’s figures. “The renewed optimism is encouraging, but shows just how important it is for the Government to build momentum and restore confidence to the levels seen in previous years.
“With wages still struggling to keep pace with higher costs of living, many people feel as though neither their own finances nor the wider economy is moving forward.
“If business costs continue to accelerate through 2026 - from rising business rates to new regulatory burdens - then the risk is clear: inflation remains stubbornly high and consumer confidence could falter once again.”
You can now secure your tickets to the Convenience Awards 2026!
Join us on 11 March in Liverpool to celebrate the entire convenience community.
See this year’s finalists and book your seat here.
No comments yet