The British Retail Consortium reports a growth in consumer confidence reflected in a 2.8% growth in retail sales values on a like-for-like basis from September 2008.
Although compared with a weak performance last September, the figures still reveal the best sales growth since January last year, with all non-food sectors receiving a much-needed boost.

BRC director general Stephen Robertson said: "For some consumer confidence is trickling back. These are the best total sales growth figures since January 2008. But we mustn't get carried away. They are compared with a weak performance last September... As we enter the important run-up to Christmas, these results give some room for optimism. But consumer sentiment is volatile and could weaken again."

Mr Robertson added that it was "good to see nearly all the non-food categories turned positive." Mild sunny weather meant that gardening and outdoor DIY held up well, according to the BRC, with plants, bulbs, garden care and sheds all benefiting. The 'improve, don't move' trend boosted indoor DIY, while customers were also attracted to new decorative ranges.

Home accessories and textiles picked up above year-earlier levels after declines in August, while fitted kitchens and bedrooms and upholstery and storage all did well on the back of the improving housing market.