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Retail volumes continue to fall but record online sales growth provides relief for some retailers
Retail sales volumes and orders both fell in the year to February, with the pace of decline easing slightly on the previous month, according to the latest CBI quarterly Distributive Trades Survey. The survey of 140 firms, of which 70 were retailers, reported record internet sales growth (the question first asked in August 2009), with another historically strong performance expected in the year to March. Among retailers, only grocers saw any growth in volumes in the year to February, with non-store sales flat and other retail sectors reporting sharp declines. Looking ahead, retailers anticipate an even steeper fall in ... (full story)