Retailers continue to see strong demand

RETAIL sales grew strongly in the year to August, at the fastest pace since November 2012, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey.

This was the second consecutive quarter of growth and was broad-based across a number of sectors, with clothing sales, grocers and recreational goods performing particularly well.

Retailers who took part in the survey of 125 firms, reported that sales volumes were above average for the time year, for the first time since January 2011. The survey also revealed that sales are expected to grow robustly again in September.

Employment in the sector grew at its fastest pace since May 2002 and is expected to grow firmly again next month. Retailers also expect their overall business situation to improve over the next three months, with the survey balance at its highest for three years.

Both wholesaling and motor trades sales volumes rose again in the year to August and are both expected to grow solidly again in September.