Major retail sales events have helped drive a bump in consumer confidence, according to October 2025’s GfK-NIM Consumer Confidence Barometer.
Rising two points to –17, consumer confidence was higher in four measures out of five in October – beating September’s score of –19 and returning to equal pegging with August.
“Buying sentiment is up on last month, with a four-point rise in our Major Purchase Index, which tracks consumers’ intentions to buy big-ticket items such as electrical goods and furniture,” said GfK consumer insights director Neil Bellamy. “This uptick is partly driven by major retailer sales events held earlier in the month.
“After several years of high inflation, savvy consumers have adapted their purchasing strategies to make the most of their money when discounts are most attractive.
“Where possible, many now delay major purchases until one of these sales events – and the biggest of all is Black Friday, on 28 November. Both consumers and UK retailers will be watching closely to see whether the Chancellor’s budget, to be announced just two days before Black Friday, boosts or dampens spending during that crucial weekend.”
The slight rebound in confidence has coincided with ONS figures showing a slight easing in food inflation to 4.5% in the year to September 2025; government statistics released in October also showed average earnings outpacing inflation by 0.6% in the three months to August.
GfK’s barometer showed a marked improvement in confidence compared with a year ago, with rises in all areas bar consumers’ opinion of the general economic situation.
Overall, the index is up five points on October 2024, with people’s opinion of their personal financial situation up by five points to a score of 3.
Consumers’ confidence in major purchases was the most improved on last year, climbing nine points to –12.
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