US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
UK retail sales tumble in March by most since 2020, CBI says
CBI survey shows retail sales dropped to -52 in March, the sharpest decline since April 2020, with weak economic conditions and inflation pressures cited by retailers.
- On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, The Confederation of British Industry reported that British retail sales tumbled this month by the most since April 2020, marking the sharpest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
- Following the start of the conflict in the Middle East, the survey of 50 retail chains conducted between February 25 and March 13 documented rising petrol prices in Britain affecting consumer spending.
- CBI Lead Economist Martin Sartorius reported the monthly gauge of annual sales volumes sank to-52 in March from-43 in February, stating weak economic conditions continue weighing on household spending.
- Government relief from new employment rights and tax costs is increasingly necessary, according to The CBI, as conflict in the Middle East risks squeezing household budgets further.
- Businesses expect only a marginal improvement to-49 in April, while the Bank of England anticipates broader inflation will increase later this year, though the survey did not directly attribute the sales decline to the conflict.
Insights by Ground AI
6 Articles
6 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources6
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
C 67%
R 33%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
