UK Spending Cools Ahead of Budget and Black Friday
UK households tightened their belts in October, pausing big-ticket purchases as the Treasury’s autumn budget approaches and retailers gear up for Black Friday. Fresh payment and retail indicators point to softer demand, raising questions about the holiday trading outlook and overall growth momentum.
Barclays said card spending fell year-on-year in October, with essential outlays such as fuel and groceries notably weaker. The bank, which processes a substantial share of UK card payments, described a clear “wait-and-see” pattern among consumers and businesses ahead of the 26 November budget. While that caution creates near-term headwinds for retailers, sentiment could recover if confidence stabilizes into the festive period.
Store sales showed only modest growth. The British Retail Consortium reported a 1.6% annual rise in retail sales, the slowest pace since May, underscoring fragile shopper confidence. Retailers are banking on Black Friday promotions to lift volumes, but concerns over potential tax rises, unresolved business rates pressures, and muted demand continue to weigh on investment and hiring decisions.
Consumer sentiment remains fragile. A separate survey indicated roughly a third of shoppers are postponing major purchases until after the budget. All of Barclays’ confidence gauges declined, marking the first broad-based drop since August 2022, when borrowing costs jumped sharply. For payments and retail players, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether holiday discounts can offset a slower start to the quarter.
Key Points – UK card spending declined in October, with essentials like fuel and groceries weaker. – Retail sales rose 1.6% year-on-year, the softest growth since May. – Shoppers and businesses adopted a wait-and-see stance before the 26 November budget. – One in three consumers is delaying big-ticket purchases until after the fiscal statement. – All of Barclays’ consumer confidence indicators fell for the first time since August 2022. – Retailers are relying on Black Friday promotions amid concerns over taxes and business rates.
