Retail sales rose last month, new statistics have revealed, despite predictions that the recession would dent the industry even further.
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) said overall sales volumes rose by 0.3% compared with October, while year-on-year they increased by 1.5%.
For the month, food sales grew by 0.2%, while sales of clothing and footwear fell by 0.1%.
Capital Economics and ING, among others, had anticipated a decline in sales.
Yesterday, the Confederation of British Industry said just 13% of retailers saw higher sales volumes in the first half of December in 2007 than they did this year.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) argued the ONS figures “paint on overly rosy picture” of the overall economic climate and current consumer attitudes.
Stephen Robertson said the trends are “hard to explain”.
He added: “While conditions remain tough, retailers have reacted with high-profile price cuts and promotions. This, together with the recent reductions in VAT and interest rates, has meant in the last few days shoppers have come out in force.
“Some retailers will now dare to breathe a sigh of relief that customers are simply delaying their Christmas spending, rather than cancelling it entirely.”
Last week, the BRC reported that retail sales fell for the second month in succession.
