UK retail sales bounce back after summer stall

UK retail sales rose in October, ending a five-month run of falling or flatlining sales, according to official figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales volumes rose by 0.8% last month compared to September, following no movement between September and August.

The ONS said non-food stores were the only main retail sector to see a rise in sales volumes in the last month – up 4.2% – with second-hand stores, toy stores and sports equipment stores particularly strong.

Clothing stores sales volumes in October were only 0.5% below pre-pandemic levels in February 2020, with retailers suggesting early Christmas trading had boosted sales, the ONS added.