27/11/2009 - Retailers hope for Christmas cheer
Hopes of a retail fightback for Christmas are mounting after figures reveal high street sales had surged to their highest level in two years.
A survey by the CBI found that 13% of firms reported a leap lower than expected, but one still better than any recorded since November 2007.
Retailers have now seen growth for the second successive month and a balance of 19% now expect sales volumes will be higher in December.
Andy Clarke, chairman of the CBI distributive trades panel, said: "It's reassuring that the high street now has a second month of sales growth behind it and it looks like December will be even better.
"A lot of retailers have suffered during 2009 and many are relieved that the year is ending on a more positive note."
But he warned that rising unemployment and a weak economy meant consumer confidence was still low, adding that any recovery expected to be "fragile and slow".
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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