Pre-Christmas sales have given retailers a small boost in October, with shoppers bringing a little early festive cheer to the high street.
Figures compiled by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG, showed total sales increased by 2.6 per cent in the year to October. There was also a 0.8 per cent rise in like-for-like sales.
Online sales were particularly strong, with sales of non-food products increasing by over 12 per cent year on year.
While sales are still growing, the rate of increase is considerably slower than over the summer. Head of retail at KPMG, David McCorquodale, described the final two months of 2013 as vital.
“Shoppers seem reluctant to buy their gifts early and at full price, and many may be delaying their purchases in the hope that retailers will discount festive goods as the big day nears,” The FT reports him as as saying.
Footwear and clothing sales suffered due to the unseasonably warm weather but sales in heavy coats and warmer clothing increased in the second half of the month, as more Autumnal temperatures arrived.
Games and gadgets sales remained high, as did demand for textiles and home accessories. Sales of Halloween costumes and decorations also helped boost sales.
Previous Post
Online Retailers put their Faith in Bricks and Mortar
