Retail Sales Jump as Art and Antiques Drive UK Surge

Published: 20 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Retail sales in Great Britain have delivered an unexpected boost to the economy, with art and antiques playing a surprisingly prominent role. Official figures show that retail sales rose by 1.8 per cent in January, marking the strongest monthly increase since May 2024. The figures, released by the Office for National Statistics, exceeded most forecasts and signalled renewed consumer activity after a subdued end to last year.

The January rebound has drawn particular attention because of its breadth and strength. Economists had expected only a modest rise of around 0.2 per cent. Instead, the jump suggests that shoppers responded positively to heavy discounting and post-Christmas promotions across the country. Sales of artwork and antiques stood out, alongside robust demand from online jewellers benefiting from higher gold prices.

Annual comparisons paint an even brighter picture. Retail sales volumes were 4.5 per cent higher than in January last year. That increase also surpassed market expectations and provided fresh optimism about consumer resilience. However, the longer-term trend remains more measured, as volumes in the three months to January were up only 0.1 per cent compared with the previous quarter.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the improvement was not confined to a single category. Grant Fitzner, the organisation’s chief economist, noted that business activity “continued to pick up in the new year following a weak November.” Motor fuel sales edged higher during the period, while technology retailers and furniture stores also recorded solid performances.

The prominence of art and antiques in driving retail sales has raised eyebrows among analysts. January often sees bargain hunters seeking deals on higher-value items, yet this year’s appetite appeared stronger than usual. Industry observers believe rising gold prices may have encouraged consumers to view jewellery and certain antiques as both decorative and investment purchases.

Weather conditions also influenced spending patterns. An unusually wet January kept many shoppers indoors, supporting a surge in online transactions. E-commerce sales rose 1.3 per cent compared with December and were 14.7 per cent higher than a year earlier. That annual increase represents the fastest pace of online growth since April 2021, reflecting continued changes in buying habits.

Rob Wood, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, described the figures as further evidence that economic activity is picking up in the new year. He suggested that fading uncertainty surrounding the autumn budget may have encouraged households to spend more freely. Nevertheless, he cautioned that exceptionally strong jewellery sales could have exaggerated the overall improvement.

Separate data released earlier this week offered additional encouragement. Inflation fell sharply to 3 per cent in January from 3.4 per cent in December. That decline has strengthened expectations that the Bank of England could cut interest rates in the coming months. Lower borrowing costs would likely ease pressure on household finances and potentially support further gains in retail sales.

Thomas Pugh, chief economist at RSM UK, said the combination of falling inflation and prospective rate cuts should bolster disposable income growth. However, he emphasised that consumer confidence remains the key factor. Without sustained confidence, households may hesitate to maintain higher levels of spending despite improving economic indicators.

In-store household goods retailers experienced a noticeable rebound after a weak December. Furniture and home accessories attracted shoppers keen to refresh interiors at discounted prices. Clothing sales also rose slightly, while food sales volumes increased by 1.2 per cent month on month, marking their strongest performance since last July.

Cande Cooper, a retail partner at Deloitte, observed that value remains a priority for many consumers. Nearly a third of shoppers took advantage of in-store discounts and loyalty schemes to manage costs. She suggested that growth across non-food categories indicates both bargain hunting and a tentative willingness to loosen purse strings.

The contribution of art and antiques to retail sales reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences. After years of prioritising essentials, some households appear more comfortable allocating funds to discretionary purchases. Auction houses and specialist dealers reported steady footfall during January sales events, with buyers drawn by reduced prices and limited-edition pieces.

At the same time, online jewellers enjoyed continued momentum. Rising gold prices have heightened interest in precious metal pieces, particularly among buyers seeking perceived safe-haven assets. Analysts note that this trend may not persist if gold prices stabilise or retreat, which could temper future monthly comparisons.

There were also signs of a seasonal health-related spending boost. The Office for National Statistics highlighted increased online purchases of sports supplements during January. Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics, remarked that the traditional new year health kick has made the economy appear healthier than underlying conditions might suggest. He warned that weak employment growth and moderating wage increases could limit households’ ability to sustain current spending levels.

Despite the positive headlines, some caution remains warranted. The three-month rolling average suggests that underlying momentum is modest. Retail sales often fluctuate due to temporary factors such as promotions, weather patterns and commodity prices. Economists will watch closely to see whether February and March maintain January’s strength.

For policymakers, the figures provide useful insight into household behaviour at the start of 2026. If consumer spending continues to recover, it could support broader economic growth and ease concerns about stagnation. However, any unexpected rise in inflation or deterioration in labour market conditions would quickly alter the outlook.

Retailers themselves remain cautiously optimistic. Many entered the new year with improved inventory management and stronger online platforms. Heavy discounting undoubtedly enticed shoppers, yet sustaining margins will become more challenging if promotional intensity remains high. Businesses must balance competitive pricing with profitability in an environment still shaped by cost pressures.

The January surge in retail sales offers a welcome boost for the high street and digital retailers alike. The unexpected influence of art and antiques underscores how diverse spending patterns can shape economic outcomes. While it is too early to declare a full consumer revival, the data suggest that confidence may be slowly returning after a turbulent period.

Looking ahead, much will depend on monetary policy decisions and broader global conditions. Should the Bank of England move towards rate reductions, households could feel greater financial breathing space. For now, January’s figures provide a rare moment of optimism for Britain’s retail sector and hint at the possibility of steadier growth through 2026.

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