17/12/2009

Retail Sales 'Gloomy' During November

If sales figures continue at the same level as last month, then British retailers may not have a very Happy Christmas.

UK shop sales fell unexpectedly in November by 0.3%, dropping at their fastest pace since May, which means that shoppers spent less in high street stores than last month.

Analysts had expected sales to rise slightly last month after industry surveys pointed to a better performance in November.

However, a record drop in department store sales and poor performance by clothing and shoe shops were responsible for declining sales volumes, according to the latest figures of Office for National Statistics.

A shopping rush as the days count down to Christmas may however reverse the trend, with many UK stores hoping that will be their big present this festive season.

(BMcC/KMcA)

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