BRC reports only 0.8 per cent sales decline
The slowdown in UK retail sales levelled off during last month, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Sales fell 0.8 per cent like-for-like, against stronger comparable figures of 2 per cent growth last September.

However, the BRC warned the figures did not represent recovery and stressed that sales growth had been negative for seven out of nine months.

Declining consumer confidence and the housing market slowdown continued to hit sales of electricals, furniture and DIY. Although food sales were slightly better, clothing and footwear showed a greater decline than in July and August.

BRC director-general Kevin Hawkins said: 'While the underlying trend doesn't seem to be getting any worse, it is still too soon to say things are improving. The case for a reduction in interest rates is now as pressing as ever.'

KPMG head of retail Helen Dickinson said: 'Although September figures are relatively unchanged on the previous month, they are on the back of slightly stronger comparatives and highlight a slight improving trend over the past couple of months. Whether this represents a fundamental shift in the pattern seen throughout the year, as we run up to Christmas, is doubtful.'

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