The Live Wire



Press Release

SEPTEMBER SALES NO WORSE BUT TOUGH MONTHS AHEAD

11 October 2005

Retail sales in the UK in September fell 0.8% on a like-for-like basis from September 2004 when sales had grown 2.0%. Like-for-like growth has now been in negative territory for seven of the nine months so far this year.

The three-month trend rate of growth weakened slightly in September to -1.4% from -1.2% in August for like-for-like sales, and edged up to 2.9% from 2.7% for total sales.

Clothing and footwear showed larger declines than in July and August, despite a late boost from Autumn/Winter ranges when the weather cooled. Food sales were little changed from August and still weaker than in June and July.

The housing slowdown and weaker consumer confidence continue to hit big-ticket furniture, electricals and DIY, with many retailers resorting to discounts and promotions to drive sales.



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British Retail Consortium

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