UK retail sales fall 0.7% in October

UK retail sales volumes fell 0.7% in October, with mild weather affecting sales of winter clothing, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has said.Continue reading the main story

However, sales volumes are still up 1.8% from a year earlier, indicating increased consumer confidence.

The month-on-month fall was unexpected - many economists had forecast sales to stay unchanged. The retail sector represents about 5% of the UK economy.

Clothing sales were down 2.8% compared with September.

The ONS figures are based on a survey of 5,000 retailers.

It found that the amount spent in shops also fell 0.7% between September and October. Last month, UK consumers spent a total of £6.9bn a week.

"Clothing sales have been dampened by a milder October than we've seen in previous years," said Kate Davies from the ONS, "There have also been falls in food and petrol.

"But the wider economic picture is much more positive - this follows eight or nine months of growth in the retail sector.

"In the summer, sales were very much boosted by warm weather - particularly in July and August."

The ONS figures also found that online sales now account for 10.5% of all retailing in October.

Retailers suggested online promotions had helped boost sales through their websites.