The Office for National Statistics released its retail sales data for the U.K. on Friday. Retail sales in the U.K. climbed 2.3% in January, exceeding expectations for a 0.8% gain, after a 1.4% drop in December. December's figure was revised down from a 1.0% decrease.

The increase was driven by lower demand for clothing and computer.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the U.K. jumped 5.2% in January, beating forecasts of 3.6% increase, after a 2.3% rise in December. December's figure was revised down from a 2.6% gain.