Retail sales values were down again in September 2008 on a year previously, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said, meaning they have been lower than 12 months earlier in six of the last seven months.
Yet even though food sales slowed in the month, the BRC said, this sector remained the driver of all sales.
Tighter budgets have meant that shoppers are now looking for value ranges, the organisation revealed, with less exotic foods being purchased.
Director general at the BRC Stephen Robertson said that the current economic situation is beginning to seriously damage people’s confidence on the high street.
“If you’re after a bargain it’s great news as shops have responded with some of the most dramatic discounts and offers in recent times,” he commented.
Head of retail at KPMG Helen Dickinson added that the overall retail sector “continues to suffer”.
The BRC last week welcomed the Bank of England rate cut but said that more action should be taken to help consumers.
