18/11/2004

Figures show slide in retail sales growth

Underlying retail sales growth is distinctly lower than in the first half of this year, according to figures published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The latest retail sales survey for October 2004 found that the volume of sales in the three months August to October was 1.2% higher than in the previous three months and follows growth of 1.1% in the three months to September. By comparison, the equivalent three-monthly growth rates for the first half of the year averaged 1.8% and did not fall below 1.7%.

Over the three months to October 2004, sales in food stores grew by 0.9% compared to 1.6% growth for non-food stores.

The unadjusted value of retail sales in October totalled £19.1 billion and average weekly sales were £4.8 billion. This was 4.3% higher than a year ago and represents the lowest annual growth since December 2003.

Annual comparisons show that sales volumes in the three months to October were 6.6% higher than in the same period in 2003. Sectors showing strongest growth over the year were clothing stores, other non-food stores and non-store retailing and repair.

Analysis of monthly figures shows that the total sales volume decreased by 0.4% between September and October. Last month, there was also a decrease on the month for all sectors apart from clothing stores.

Retailers reported some positive impact in October of early Christmas shopping. The overall increase in the unadjusted sales value from September to October was, however, slightly smaller than in the previous two years.

(gmcg/sp)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 July 2005
Sluggish retail sales growth peaks in June
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed that in June the underlying rate of growth in retail sales volumes was the highest so far this year. However, the annual growth has remained the lowest for more than six years, according to data released today by the ONS.
09 December 2004
UK trade deficit gap widens by 0.9bn
The UK’s deficit on trade in goods and services is estimated to have widened by around 0.9 billion in October up from a deficit of £2.9 billion in September to £3.8 billion in October.
25 March 2010
UK Retail Sales Jump
Retail sales between January and February grew by 2.1%, it was revealed today. It was the most significant upward trajectory since May 2008, when sales volume leaped by 2.9%. However, the Office of National Statistics said January data has been revised down, mainly due to late returns and revisions to existing data.
21 January 2005
Christmas sales figures 'unusually low' say ONS
UK retail sales in the UK were described as "unusually low", according to the latest Retail Sales Index (RSI) figures from the Office of National Statistics. The volume of retail sales in the three months between October to December was only 0.3% higher than in the previous three months.
16 June 2005
ONS reports retail sales ‘restrained’
The latest three-monthly growth in retail sales volume was the highest since November 2004, the Office of National Statistics has reported. However, the report warned that the underlying trend appeared “restrained” and annual growth in sales volume fell to the lowest level for six years.