London: The UK retail sales volume dropped unexpectedly in November, falling 0.1% on a monthly basis, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the figure defied market expectations of a 0.3% rise and followed an upwardly revised 0.9% decrease in the previous month. The ONS statement highlighted that "non-store retailers' volumes dipped as demand for gold slowed, while supermarkets fell for the fourth consecutive month."

In November, non-store retailers, including online jewelers, reported reduced demand following the stabilization of precious metal prices. Supermarket sales volumes also continued their decline for the fourth month in a row, with retailers citing low footfall. However, this was partially offset by a 1.0% rise in non-food stores, which includes department, clothing, household, and other non-food stores.

Department stores experienced an increase in sales volumes, with some retailers attributing this to extended pre-holiday Black Friday discounting. Additionally, retailers of footwear and leather goods reported positive sales performance. Sales of automotive fuel also saw a recovery from the previous month's decline, returning to just above September 2025 levels.

On an annual basis, retail sales volumes rose 0.6%, which was significantly lower than the anticipated 1.6% increase. Over the three months leading to November, sales volumes rose 0.6% compared to the previous period and increased by 0.7% year-on-year.