Consumer Snippets – 24 October 2025

UK households planning to cut back spending

The PwC Consumer Sentiment Index shows that while sentiment has remained steady, purchasing intentions amongst UK consumers has worsened across almost every age group. Younger and lower-income groups are worst affected, with 35% planning on buying cheaper items in the same stores and 26% saying they will shift to lower-cost supermarkets. Heading into the Golden Quarter consumers remain cautious and are starting their shopping later than last year. The uncertainty around the upcoming UK budget only compounds consumer caution and nervousness for retailers, particularly as it falls within a week of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.