00:01Retail sales fell more sharply than expected in September, raising concerns about household
00:05spending ahead of the festive season. Official figures show the volume of goods sold dropped
00:11by 0.4% compared with August. Online sales fell particularly sharply while clothing shops and
00:18supermarkets also recorded declines. Unseasonably warm weather contributed to
00:23weaker demand for autumn and winter clothing. Sales excluding motor fuel fell by 0.7%.
00:30The figures follow a rise in sales during August which was stronger than first estimated.
00:35Economists say falling consumer confidence could put further pressure on spending and on economic growth.
