Consumer card spending increased just 4.1 percent year-on-year in 2023 – noticeably lower than the growth seen in 2022 (10.6 per cent) – as Brits cut back on new clothes, eating out and home improvements amid rising inflation and household bills. However, consumers continued to prioritize moments of joy and shared experiences, boosting travel, entertainment, and pubs & bars. 

New data from Barclays reveals that spending on essential items grew 3.9 percent in 2023 compared to 6.3 percent last year. This reduced increase was largely due to a -10.7 percent drop in fuel spending, stemming from the decline in pump prices this year after they peaked following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. 

Barclays’ monthly Consumer Spend Index, which combines hundreds of millions of customer transactions with consumer research to provide an in-depth view of UK spending, reveals the top 10 trends that shaped consumer behavior this year.

1. Savvy supermarket shopping ​

Rising food price inflation fuelled a 6.5 percent increase in supermarket shopping, while food and drink specialist stores returned to growth (4.4 percent) following a -1.1 percent decline last year.  

Discount supermarkets performed particularly well, accounting for 15.5 percent of all grocery spending – an all-time high, up from 14.5 percent in 2022 – as savvy shoppers looked for ways to reduce the cost of their weekly shopping amid rising prices. This behavior peaked in September when seven in 10 (70 percent) claimed to be looking for cutbacks – over half (53 percent) of these consumers were paying closer attention to price rises on specific items, 49 percent were buying budget or own brand goods over branded goods, and the same proportion (49 percent) were opting for more budget or value ranges1.

2. “Skimpflation” and “shrinkflation”​ impact the nation

“Shrinkflation” and “skimpflation” emerged as the main scourges of supermarket shoppers in 2023. ​At its peak in September, 76 percent of consumers had noticed examples of shrinkflation, with chocolate (48 percent), crisps (41 percent), packs of biscuits (38 percent), and snack bars (31 percent) the most cited products impacted by this trend1.

In addition, more than one in five Brits (22 percent) in July noticed that shrinkflation was also affecting alcoholic drinks, finding that some of the drinks they were buying – such as beers, spirits, and tinned cocktails – were becoming weaker or containing less alcohol, yet still costing the same or more1.

Meanwhile, over half (52 percent) of shoppers in August noticed that some of the food and drink products they were buying had been downgraded in terms of the quality or quantity of premium ingredients, yet still cost the same or more than they used to – otherwise known as “stimulation percent”. These shoppers had mostly noticed the declining quality of clothing, chosen by 44 per cent, closely followed by toilet paper (43 percent), and toiletries/cosmetics (37 percent)1.

3. Heating hampers eating 

To offset rising household bills, Brits spent less on eating out in 2023, with restaurants seeing a -6.7 percent decline compared to last year. This comes as almost half (47 percent) of consumers in October said they were planning to cut down on discretionary spending so they could afford their energy bills throughout the autumn and winter, with eating out at restaurants (56 percent) one of the most cited areas for cutbacks1.

4. Events boost bars & pubs

On the other hand, pubs, bars & clubs had a strong 12 months, up 5.9 percent year-on-year. This growth was largely driven by major public and sporting events, including the King’s Coronation and Rugby World Cup, as well as rising beer and alcohol prices. The strong performance of pubs compared to restaurants also suggests that while out socializing Brits were opting for more affordable pub food instead of formal restaurant meals.

5. Entertainment economy thrives​

Despite inflationary pressures, Brits have been keen to spend on memorable experiences. The entertainment sector (up 7.5 percent) was boosted by the release of ticket sales for major events including the Eurovision Song Contest, Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras’ tour, and Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ tour, with spending on shows and concerts up 8.6 percent year-on-year overall. Meanwhile, blockbuster hits including ‘Barbie’, ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ fuelled a 6.3 percent increase at cinemas. ​

6. “Streamflation” spurs subscriptions

At-home experiences – or “inexperienced” – proved popular, with digital content and subscriptions as well as takeaways and fast food rising 7.3 percent and 8.1 percent respectively year-on-year. This growth was driven by more consumers tuning in to watch the series finales of popular shows such as ‘Succession’, ‘Ted Lasso’ and ‘The Crown’, as well as many streaming services increasing their prices in 2023.

7. Unpredictable weather casts a cloud ​on the high street

Rising costs combined with inconsistent weather meant clothing stores had a challenging year, declining -0.5 percent. This was largely due to the unseasonal weather in months including May, July, and October leading Brits to hold off on making seasonal clothing purchases, as well as new clothes and accessories being one of the key non-essentials Brits said they were deprioritising.

8. Furniture takes a back seat

If 2022 was the year for Brits investing in their homes, 2023 has been the year they sat back and enjoyed their grand designs. As a result, home improvements & DIY saw a -4.7 percent decline year-on-year, while furniture stores saw a similar drop (-5.2 percent), indicating that Brits have been making fewer big-ticket purchases and instead prioritizing their spending in more experience-led categories.

9. Travel continues to cruise

After a standout performance in 2022, the travel sector continued to thrive in 2023, seeing robust growth at both travel agents (10.4 percent) and airlines (30.8 percent). The sector’s success was also a lasting impact of the pandemic, with a fifth (19 percent) of consumers saying in November that they will be planning more holidays in 2024 because they’re still catching up on trips missed during lockdowns – a trend otherwise known as ‘revenge spending’1.

10. “Lipstick effect” lifts health and beauty

Pharmacy, health & beauty retailers also enjoyed an uplift this year (5.6 percent) – possibly thanks to the “lipstick effect”, where consumers prioritize small indulgences, such as cosmetics and self-care products, over big-ticket items during periods of economic uncertainty. The category’s boost is also likely due to pre-holiday purchases as well as increased demand for make-up and skincare compared to last year, when the pandemic’s lingering effects meant fewer Brits commuted into the office, reducing the need for appearance-related investments.

Esme Harwood, Director at Barclays, said: “Brits prioritized memorable experiences and shared moments with loved ones this year, boosting pubs, travel, and entertainment. Many were keen to make up for lost opportunities during the pandemic by booking holidays, treating themselves to concert tickets, and enjoying nights out with friends.

“However, certain sectors saw noticeable cutbacks. Restaurants and clothing stores were hampered by the unpredictable weather, as well as the impact of rising household bills on consumers’ finances. Nonetheless, Brits' confidence in their ability to spend within their means has remained resilient, as they become more resourceful and adept in finding ways to balance their budgets.”

Jack Meaning, Chief UK Economist at Barclays: “Although 2024 will be a tough year for the economy as a whole, the New Year is a time to look for the positives. We expect to see the Bank of England start easing interest rates from the middle of the year, and in fact, we’re already seeing mortgage rates come down in anticipation. This is as the speed of price rises slows, which should continue to provide at least some boost to the spending power of people who have been squeezed through the cost-of-living crisis. 2024 will be a year of transition, from headwinds to tailwinds, but come next December we should be able to toast the New Year with more festive spirit.”