Report Summary

Period covered: 02 November - 29 November 2025

3 minute read

Note: This report summary is one or two months behind the current month as standard reporting practice. The content is indicative only and incomplete with certain data undisclosed. Become a member to access this data or take out a free 30 day membership trial now.

Health & Beauty - Retail Economics Sales Index

Health and Beauty sales rose by xx% year-on-year in November, improving on the xx% decline recorded in the same period last year. The uplift was supported by seasonal gifting, discount-led beauty promotions and higher levels of footfall as consumers sought out feel-good purchases during a financially cautious period. The inclusion of Black Friday within this year's reporting period also flattered headline performance.

Key trading themes and drivers

Fragrance and premium gifting lines performed strongly, as shoppers took advantage of promotional events to secure presents. There was strong interest in advent calendars, cosmetics sets and premium skincare, while core beauty and personal care lines were supported by deep discounting.

Footfall to stores helped lift in person trade, though online channels also contributed to the uplift, particularly among pureplay and multichannel operators offering exclusive deals.

Category-wide promotions were central to November's performance. Price reductions across major lines, coupled with clear gifting propositions, helped convert early seasonal interest into purchases. Retailers also saw increased demand for self-care and small indulgences, with consumers balancing caution in discretionary spending against a desire to maintain rituals of celebration and wellness. Categories including toiletries and winter wellness continued to provide a dependable revenue stream.

Footfall patterns

Health and Beauty was one of the categories to benefit from improved footfall during November. While total retail footfall remained below 2024 levels, the category's presence across both high street and retail park locations helped support in store activity. Promotional traffic was particularly evident in the final weeks of the month, coinciding with Black Friday and Christmas shopping.

Category missions, such as gifting, self-care and pharmacy trips, supported incremental visits to stores.

Macroeconomic backdrop

November's macroeconomic environment was defined by easing inflation and rising consumer caution. The GfK Consumer Confidence Index declined to xx, with households adopting a more defensive stance in the lead-up to the Autumn Budget. Wage growth slowed to xx% YoY, and unemployment rose to xx%, as the labour market continued to show signs of cooling. Real wages remained under pressure despite a sharp drop in inflation, with CPI falling to xx%, its lowest level since March 2025. The Bank of England responded in December by cutting interest rates to xx%, a move that should provide some relief to borrowing costs in the months ahead. The backdrop of easing price pressure helped support consumer appetite for promotions, particularly in categories like health and beauty where gifting and affordable indulgence intersect.

Closing outlook

Health and Beauty is well placed to sustain momentum through the remainder of the peak season, with retailers successfully using pricing, promotion and product innovation to engage shoppers. While pressure on margins will persist, particularly for high-profile promotional lines, the category has shown resilience and relevance. Performance in the final weeks of 2025 will hinge on footfall, fulfilment and the strength of gifting conversion, but the strong foundation laid in November bodes well for an outperformance.

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