The research showed retail sales up 0.7 per cent. This was ahead of expectations but was against a comparable figure of 0.9 per cent recorded for the three months to August.
Barclays business banking national director, retail and wholesale sectors Paul Clarke said: 'The higher-than-expected monthly growth in retail sales offers a glimmer of hope to retailers. However, the underlying trend reveals continued challenges ahead for the high street.'
The figures were boosted by food sales, which rose by 1.5 per cent on the month. Excluding food, store sales rose by 0.4 per cent. Household goods and clothing sales experienced an increase of 0.7 per cent.
Seymour Pierce retail analyst Richard Ratner said: 'As far as we can see, the numbers are good news for Tesco, but for the general retailers particularly gloomy.'
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