Worst Christmas for UK retailers in decade

Retailers in the United Kingdom did not get the Christmas miracle they wanted last month, according to figures that show it was their worst festive season for a decade.

The lack of spending was attributed to poor consumer confidence because of uncertainty about the UK's pending exit from the European Union.

Department store Debenhams reported sales plunging by 5.7 percent in the 18 weeks leading up to Jan 5 and said customers increasingly wanted discounts and left shopping until the last minute. Marks and Spencer, which specializes in food, clothing, and household goods, reported a 2.2 percent slump.