Barclays comment on the latest ONS retail statistics

Commenting on the latest ONS Retail Sales figures, Ian Gilmartin, head of retail & wholesale at Barclays, said:

“September’s ONS retail statistics show that it was a really impressive month for retailers, accelerating August’s strong numbers. Hosting the Rugby World Cup provided a timely boost to sales and helped the industry set a solid platform for the all-important Christmas period. Retailers are now readying themselves for Black Friday and finalising their preparations for Christmas, and it’s clear from my conversations with clients that there is a growing optimism in the industry, with retailers increasingly hopeful that higher levels of disposable income resulting from recent drops in food and fuel prices will lead to a positive outcome in the season ahead.”