UK retail sales fall in November as cost-of-living bites household finances

According to the Office for National Statistics, retail sales volumes slid by 0.4% last month. This follows a 0.9% increase in October, which was an improvement from September when sales were impacted by the public holiday for Queen Elizabeth's funeral. A Reuters poll of economists had predicted a 0.3% rise from October. While consumers are spending 4.2% more than a year ago, they are focusing on essentials like food and footwear, with overall sales volumes down 5.9%. At a 5% decline, online shopping has decreased less than overall retail sales volumes.  Cost-of-living crisis force...