| Retail sales have gone up marginally, says BRC |
|
|
LONDON: Retail sales recorded a rise for the first time in eight months in November, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC), an industry organisation. It said like-for-like sales rose by 0.8 per cent during the month, compared with November 2004. In October the sales were down an equivalent 0.2 per cent.
BRC said clothing and footwear (coats, sweaters and women's boots) sales had gone up along with food sales. Sales promotions and the prevailing cold weather boosted the sales in these categories, it said.
The average temperature in England and Wales in November was 6 deg Celsius, the coldest since 1998, according to the Met Office web site. .
BRC's director-general Kevin Hawkins said the growth is better than many had expected and the lift out of negative territory is encouraging.
He, however, cautioned shoppers not to expect last-minute bargains this year as many shops had ordered less stock for Christmas in view the retail slowdown.
The study is at total variance with the recent findings of the Confederation of British Industry, which said November was the high street's worst month in at least 22 years.
BRC said total sales, including all new stores and floor space, also increased at an annual rate of 4.6 per cent during November, up from 3.7 per cent of October. Retailers normally make as much as 40 per cent of their annual sales during the holiday season.
London-based BRC represents 80 per cent of all U.K. retailers.
BRC also said retailers selling furniture and accessories for the home had a much better month in November.
Analysts feel the figures may persuade the Bank of England to keep interest rates on hold at 4.5 per cent for some months to come.
Posted
on : Tue, 06 Dec 2005 13:30 GMT | General News
By : Chris Rowe
|
| |
| Related |
|
|
|
