FX.co ★ UK Retail Sentiment Slumps Further in March, CBI Distributive Trades Survey Shows

The mood among UK retailers deteriorated in March, according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey, with the headline balance falling to -52. This marks a notable decline from February 2026, when the indicator stood at -43, underscoring mounting pressure on the country’s retail sector.

The deeper negative reading suggests that a growing number of retailers reported weaker sales compared with a year earlier. The March 2026 data, updated on 24 March 2026, points to a continued loss of momentum for the distributive trades, signaling ongoing challenges for consumer demand and retail activity across the United Kingdom.