The Office for National Statistics released its retail sales data for the U.K. on Thursday. Retail sales in the U.K. climbed 1.7% in November, exceeding expectations for a 0.5% rise, after a 0.5% decline in October. October's figure was revised up from a 0.6% decrease.

The increase was driven by retailers' promotions at the end of the month.

Food sales were up 0.8% in November, sales at department stores rose 4.3%, while household goods sales climbed 4.1%.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the U.K. jumped 5.0% in November, beating forecasts of 3.0% increase, after a 4.2% rise in October. October's figure was revised up from a 3.8% gain.