In September, UK retail sales fell 0.8% from August, when they grew 0.4%, the ONS said. Analysts had predicted a less significant reduction - by 0.4%. The decrease is due to the maximum for 3 years fall in food costs. Their sales fell 1.5%. Compared with September last year, the figure increased by 3%. Monthly decline in sales, excluding automotive fuel, was 0.8%. In annual terms, the figure rose by 3.2%. The results of the third quarter were more positive. At the end of the quarter, retail sales increased by 1.2% compared to the same period in 2017. This was facilitated by the growth in sales of jewelry and watches, as well as an increase in goods sold in online stores.
