British retail sales fell unexpectedly in November, dropping at their fastest pace since May after department stores and clothing retailers failed to repeat October's strong sales, official data showed today.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales volumes fell 0.3 per cent in November, confounding expectations for a rise of 0.4 per cent.
However, October's retail sales were revised up to 0.6 per cent from 0.4 per cent. Year-on-year, retail sales were 3.1 per cent higher in November, a slowdown from October's 3.7 per cent -- which had been the fastest annual growth since May 2008.
The figures add to the mixed picture about the strength of Britain's economy. Total economic output fell in the third quarter, but most economists expect a return to growth by the end of the year -- though questions remain about how sustainable this will be in the face of tight credit conditions.
The ONS said that November's fall was mainly due to the biggest monthly fall on record for sales from non-specialised stores such as department stores, after a large increase in October. Clothing sales also fell back after a strong performance last month.
Sales of household goods and food were up in November.
Reuters