UK retail sales volumes grew at the fastest rate since April in the year to September, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Distributive Trades Survey. Grocers were the primary driver of the expansion, with the overwhelming majority reporting rising sales volumes. The survey – of 123 companies, including 56 retailers – also revealed that, on average, retail sales were seen as 8% lower than would have been expected in ‘normal’ conditions without a pandemic. But beneath that number, there was a huge diversity of experience. For example, sales of household furniture were 39% higher than normal, DIY & hardware sales were ... (full story)