Retail sales hit by drop at food stores
UK retail sales volumes fell in October after a drop in trading at food stores, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said sales volumes fell 0.6%, which followed a 1.7% rise in September when sales were helped by the Rugby World Cup.
The monthly fall in food store sales was the biggest drop since May 2014.
Retail sales volumes rose 3.8% compared with a year ago, compared with a 6.2% annual rise in September.
Average shop prices, including petrol stations, were 3.3% lower in October than a year earlier.