Retail sales grew by 30% in the year ending October 2021 compared with 11% for the previous month, according to the monthly CBI Distributive Trades Survey.
These figures measure the proportion of retailers saying sales rose, minus those reporting a reduction in sales.
However, 2020 sales were heavily distorted by the impact of last year’s October coronavirus lockdown.
Wholesale, meanwhile, was above seasonal norms and rose by 27% in the year to October.
“The UK’s economic recovery has been pretty bumpy lately and the same seems true of the retail sector.”
“Sales performance has jumped around in recent months, while stock shortages continue to bite,” said Ben Jones, CBI principal economist.
“Disruption to supply chains, combined with staff shortages and uncertain public health conditions mean retailers are finding it difficult to plan for the winter ahead,” said Jones.