
Full-year sales in 2013 were 1.6 per cent higher than in 2012.
Small stores experienced higher growth year on year than large ones, with the amount spent in these outlets increasing by 8.1 per cent compared with 2.6 per cent in large stores.
Non-food stores provided the main contribution to the growth in the amount spent at small stores.
Internet sales increased by 11.8 per cent in December 2013 compared with December 2012.
Online purchases now account for 11.8 per cent of all retail sales, the ONS says.