Signs of early Christmas shopping as inflation spike threatens household budgets

Signs of early Christmas shopping as inflation spike threatens household budgets

Retail sales rose for the first time in six months during October, according to official figures suggesting shoppers started their hunt for Christmas gifts early as pressure intensifies on household budgets.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a 0.8% increase in volumes last month compared to September - with clothing among categories leading the way.

It said that fashion sales were just 0.5% below pre-pandemic levels, adding that "some retailers (were) suggesting that early Christmas trading had boosted sales."