UK retail sales in November jump more than expected

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Retail sales jumped more than expected in November, helped by Black Friday promotions and stronger growth in sales of household goods.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said sales rose 1.4% from October, despite economists’ forecasts of about a 0.3% gain.

But for the quarter to November, which smoothes out monthly volatility, sales rose 0.4% on the previous three months.

Several retailers have warned of tough trading this winter.

Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley said November was “unbelievably bad”, while Superdry and online retailer Asos have also warned of dismal trading.

The ONS said the changing nature of Black Friday sales promotions posed a challenge for the process of adjusting for seasonal variations.

Household goods sales leapt by 5.3% on the month in November, the biggest increase since the end of 2013. Online sales as a proportion of all retailing exceeded 20% for the first time, the ONS said.