Weekly retail sales in food stores in Great Britain (UK) 2014-2019

In December 2019, an average of 3.5 billion British pounds (GBP) worth of goods were purchased in food stores across Great Britain per week. Since January 2014, average weekly sales have shifted upward. In 2014 and 2015 only average sales in December came to over three billion British pounds. 2016 and 2017 saw two months over this threshold, while 2018 saw five months go over the three billion GBP threshold. 2019 has seen seven months over cracking three billion. For data concerning the percentage change in the value of sales in food stores, please see the following.

A shopping rhythm

The overall structure of yearly spending remained the same during the period in consideration. January, coinciding with the Veganuary campaign which encourages people to eat vegan as an alternative dietary choice in January, sees a sharp drop after a peak spending during the month of December. After January a few months see an increase leading to an early summer high. After a drop in early autumn November sees the prelude to increased Christmas spending.

Grocery market in the United Kingdom

The overall value of the UK grocery retail market is estimated to amount to 190.3 billion British pounds in 2018. Of this About 156.2 billion sales were made in predominantly food stores in 2018. Supermarkets had the highest share of grocery sales in the UK.