UK retail sales bounce back in October

Retail sales in the UK in October rose at the fastest annual pace since May 2008, driven largely by increased sales in textile, clothing and footwear, according to government data.

Data provided by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) today showed a 3.4 per cent rise in year-on-year volume of retail sales in October 2009, compared to October 2008.

Predominantly, food store sales increased 1.6 per cent, compared to the same period a year ago, while non-food sales increased by 3.5 per cent.

Within non-food stores, all sectors showed growth apart from other stores, which decreased by 4.7 per cent. The largest rise was in textile, clothing and footwear stores, at 10.7 per cent. Non-store retailing and repair increased 15.8 per cent, said ONS.

The ONS said those sales were driven by people who had ordered Christmas shopping early, fearing a postal strike in the UK, which could delay deliveries.

The largest increase was in household goods stores, at 3.3 per cent, driven by electrical stores. Non-store retailing and repair, which increased by 7.8 per cent.