UK retail sales were up 0.8% on a like-for-like basis from October 2012, when they had decreased 0.1% on the preceding year.
- On a total basis, sales were up 2.6%, against a 1.1% increase in October 2012The 3-month average total growth (2.8%) is much closer aligned to the 12-month average of 2.7%, suggesting a more sustainable level has been reachedFood sales growth during the last three months averaged 2.0% – below recent levels of inflation – indicating shrinking volumes
- Clothing experienced a decline in total sales for the first time since March, affected by unseasonably warm weather. Strong growth in Other Non-Food points to an encouraging start to the festive season
Joanne Denney-Finch, IGD chief executive, provides her commentary on October's food and drink performance:
“October’s total food and drink sales were moderately up compared to last year, with sales in the first half boosted by warm weather.
“While shoppers remain cautious, they’re prepared to put the effort in to secure the best deals. Six in ten (58%) intend to shop around more this year than last to find the best deals at Christmas.
“And with the latest GDP figures showing encouraging growth, there are some signs of confidence returning. Around one in six (16%) shoppers told us they expect to be better off over the next 12 months, compared with 11% this time last year.”
Source: The Institute for Grocery Distrbution (IGD)
