RTTNews reports that data from the British Retail Consortium showed that UK retail sales declined for the first time since last spring as the current lockdown has hit non-essential retailers harder than in November.

Total sales decreased 1.3 percent on a yearly basis in January, while like-for-like sales grew 7.1 percent.

"The current lockdown has hit non-essential retailers harder than in November, with the new variant hampering consumer confidence and leading customers to hold back on spending - especially on clothing and footwear," Helen Dickinson, chief executive at BRC, said.

"Meanwhile, retailers have worked incredibly hard to expand their online delivery and click and collect offerings to ensure everyone can get the products they need during lockdown," Dickinson added.