Retail sector sales edged upwards in November as a drop at clothing stores was partly offset by growth at supermarkets.
Volumes increased by 0.2% month on month, following a 0.7% decline in October, according to an estimate by the Office for National Statistics.
Clothing and footwear sales dropped by 2.6%, while department store and automotive fuel sales were down by 0.7% and 0.9% respectively.
Sales at food stores increased by 0.5% in the meantime, as other non-food store volumes grew by 2.5% and household goods shops enjoyed a 1.1% increase.
“For the first time in three months there was a boost for food store sales, particularly supermarkets,” ONS statistician Hannah Finselbach commented.
“It was also a good month for household goods retailers, most notably furniture shops.
“Clothing store sales dipped sharply once again, as retailers reported tough trading conditions.”