Card spending falls precipitously, but flooring looks positive

Consumer and economic confidence were subdued in November 2025, after all seven measures tracked by Barclays in its Consumer Spending report declined in October 2025. Research conducted between the 21 to 25 November 2025 showed that confidence in the UK economy remained at 22%, on par with October 2025.

Furniture and flooring sales bucked the trend, however, seeing 6.8% sales value growth, according to the bank.

UK adults’ confidence in their household finances improved marginally from 63% to 64%, however this was below 2025’s 70% average, and lower than November 2024 (69%). Looking at this in more detail, confidence in household finances is most commonly linked to having low or no debt (54%), managing their spending or budgeting carefully (49%) and having built up and having a good grasp of their personal finances (44%).

Among those who are not confident in their household finances, over half pointed to the rising cost of living (52%), while 44% are worried about what the next 12 months will look like. There are less drastic age differences for a lack of confidence though, Gen Z are notably less likely to state fear over the coming 12 months (26%) and concerns about the Autumn Budget (10%) then their older counterparts.