Consumer spending drags for second month in a row

Consumer spending has dropped by 0.7% in November, the second month of decline following the 0.2% drop in October according to Visa’s UK Consumer Spending Index.

Expenditure also struggled to maintain growth momentum in 2018 to date, with spending falling in seven of the 11 months of the year so far.

The group said the latest reduction was predominantly driven by a further fall in face-to-face expenditure, and compared to the same month a year ago, face-to-face spending declined -0.9% in November, following a 2.0% reduction in October.

At the same time, growth in e-commerce expenditure slowed from an increase of 2.6% year-on-year in October to +0.4% in November.

Adolfo Laurenti, European principal economist at Visa, said: “Despite the lure of Black Friday, consumer spending slipped again in November (-0.7% year-on-year), as it has in seven of the past 11 months. Face-to-face retail spending fell, while ecommerce spending showed a slight uplift (+0.4% year-on-year) which still disappoints at the onset of this crucial festive season.

“Despite some easing in inflationary pressures and an improvement in wages and earnings, consumer confidence has deteriorated further, as uncertainty continues to surround Brexit. Economic conditions are likely to remain challenging for retailers, at least in the short term.”