The survey of 90 firms, of which 45 were retailers, also showed that sales are expected to be flat in the year to January. Orders placed with suppliers dropped in the year to December, also at the quickest pace since October 2017, with orders expected to continue to fall next month, but at slightly slower pace.

Sales volumes for the time of year were significantly below average to the greatest degree since November 2011. Sales are expected to remain below average in January.

Within the retail sector, growth in sales and volumes were reported only in the non-store (i.e. internet and mail order) and furniture & carpets sectors. Sales fell elsewhere, with notable declines seen in the non-specialised (i.e. department stores), durable household goods, and other normal goods sub-sectors.