UK retail sales higher than expected

Sales volumes in the wholesale sector were broadly flat for a second month running (a balance of -1%), which beat expectations of a heavy fall (-38%). Flat sales are expected in November. Industrial materials and builders' merchants wholesalers had another very difficult month, though not as testing as the previous six months, while food and drink wholesalers reported strong sales growth.

Motor traders' sales volumes fell in the year to October (a balance of -40%), despite a flat September (+1%), and a net 46% expects sales to fall in November. Sales were harder hit for traders of vehicles, rather than those selling parts & accessories, who reported sales to be broadly flat.