Retailers have reported a slow build up to Christmas as sales growth in the first half of November fell below expectations, according to the CBI's quarterly Distributive Trades Survey.
The survey shows retailers rated sales as modestly below average for the time of year, but expectations remain strong. Grocers have reported the strongest growth for individual retail sectors.
Across the retail industry 41 per cent of firms reported sales were up in November, while 22 per cent reported a drop in sales.
Ian McCafferty, CBI chief economic adviser, said: “Retail sales grew at a reasonably healthy rate in November, but clearly disappointed expectations. Optimism remains high and December sales are expected to be much higher than a year ago.”
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