Retailers reported a slide in sales this month and expect a further fall in October, according to the latest figures from employers' organisation, the CBI.
Its latest retail showed that the difference between the percentage reporting rises and falls in sales volumes compared with a year ago fell to minus 20% in September from 37% in August.
This was the lowest reading since April, with October’s figure expected to be minus 13%.
"Following a brief return to growth last month, retail sales volumes have once again fallen in the year to September, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to weigh on households' spending," CBI economist Martin Sartorius said.