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| UK retail sales up 0.6% in September, says ONS | UK retail sales up 0.6% in September, says ONS |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Retail sales grew by 0.6% in September compared with the previous month, following an unexpected fall in August. | Retail sales grew by 0.6% in September compared with the previous month, following an unexpected fall in August. |
| The Office for National Statistics also said sales volumes had risen by 2.2% compared with September 2012, despite a fall of sales in supermarkets. | The Office for National Statistics also said sales volumes had risen by 2.2% compared with September 2012, despite a fall of sales in supermarkets. |
| The retail sales figures are based on a monthly survey of 5,000 UK retailers. | The retail sales figures are based on a monthly survey of 5,000 UK retailers. |
| The performance of the retail industry is seen as an indicator of the wider economy and the strength of consumer spending. | The performance of the retail industry is seen as an indicator of the wider economy and the strength of consumer spending. |
| Furniture sales provided the biggest driver for the monthly rise in sales, owing to a pick-up in the housing market. Sales volumes in household goods stores grew by 3%. | Furniture sales provided the biggest driver for the monthly rise in sales, owing to a pick-up in the housing market. Sales volumes in household goods stores grew by 3%. |
| Up and down | Up and down |
| Retail sales have see-sawed in recent months. In July, the fine summer weather pushed sales up higher than expected, with barbecue food selling well. | Retail sales have see-sawed in recent months. In July, the fine summer weather pushed sales up higher than expected, with barbecue food selling well. |
| Then, a month later, consumers reined in spending, particularly on food, leading to a drop in sales volumes. | Then, a month later, consumers reined in spending, particularly on food, leading to a drop in sales volumes. |
| In September, analysts had expected a rebound, but not to the degree seen in the latest official figures. | In September, analysts had expected a rebound, but not to the degree seen in the latest official figures. |
| In addition to household goods, sales at clothing, footwear and textile retailers increased by 1.2% compared with August. | In addition to household goods, sales at clothing, footwear and textile retailers increased by 1.2% compared with August. |
| Ian Geddes, UK head of retail at Deloitte, said although confidence was rising, growth in wages remained "stubbornly low", so many consumers were "yet to benefit" from having more money. | |
| He said pressure was on for retailers to get their product and brand "exactly right". | |
| "Those who deliver highly desirable and creative products with distinctive and well-understood branding continue to reap the rewards," Mr Geddes added. | |
| David Tinsley, UK economist at BNP Paribas, said he expected recovery in the housing market to "start to show up shortly". | |
| But he said wages would have to rise before a more sustainable recovery could happen. | |
| "We would not be surprised to see some softer patches in retail spending ahead," he added. |