UK retail sales were up 2.4 percent on a like-for-like basis, compared with a weak September 2005, when sales declined 0.8 percent in the wake of the July bombings in London.
The three-month trend rate of growth was the same as in August for like-for-like sales, at 2.7 percent, and edged up to 5.5 percent from 5.4 percent for total sales, reflecting the continued growth of retail space.
Food sales picked up strongly after slowing in August and were the main driver of overall growth.
Clothing and footwear were hit hard by unseasonally mild weather, and homewares and furniture were also slower than in August.
With consumers still pessimistic after August's interest rate rise, especially about personal income prospects, major purchases were still often dependent on promotions and discounts.
British Retail Consortium
marketing@alchempro.com
