http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/rsi/retail-sales/october-2015/index.html

Commenting on today's ONS Retail Sales figures, Ian Gilmartin, Head of Retail & Wholesale at Barclays, said:


'October saw mixed results for retailers after the strong performance recorded in September. Unseasonably warm weather added pressure to footfall and intense competition in the food and drink sector contributed to continued food deflation, so it's no surprise that growth is slightly lower. It's also natural to see a pause before we hit Black Friday and the Christmas trading period.

Despite this dip, as our recent research showed, UK retailers are confident about the upcoming season with 79% expecting revenues to increase compared with Christmas 2014. If retailers can get their Christmas plans right, including managing their level of discounting around Black Friday carefully, the industry should still enjoy a positive end to the year.'

Further findings from the Barclays Christmas Survey 2015 can be found at: http://www.newsroom.barclays.com/r/3258/barclays_christmas_survey_2015_reveals_retailers_all_set

About Barclays

Barclays is an international financial services provider engaged in personal, corporate and investment banking, credit cards and wealth management with an extensive presence in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. Barclays' purpose is to help people achieve their ambitions - in the right way.

With 325 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 50 countries and employs over 130,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.home.barclays .

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