UK Retail profits rise by 2.5% in September

UK Retail profits rise by 2.5% in September

Retail sales in the UK unexpectedly grew last month, giving struggling stores a glimmer of hope at a time of tough trading conditions and low customer confidence.

The British Retail Consortium said that like-for-like sales were up by 0.3% compared with 0.5% in September 2010, beating forecasts for a 1% decline. Total sales were 2.5% higher than a year ago.

Food sales rose at the same rate as previous months but clothing sales declined sharply during the end of month heatwave as consumers put off buying their new winter warmers.