November 21, 2005 | posted by Michael Baxter in Uncategorized |

The graph is clear, the High Street downturn seems to be at an end.

According to the Office of National Statistics, “The volume of retail sales in the three months August to October 2005 was 0.7 per cent higher than in the previous three months. This follows growth of 0.4 per cent in the three months to September and compares with growth of 0.9 per cent at the same time in 2004.”

In all retail sales volumes in the three months to October were 1.1% up on a year ago.

1.1% growth in volume, especially at a time when prices pressure continues, does not make a booming High Street. But the trend is clear, things to seem to be picking up from the awful months earlier this year.

The pick up, which coincides with the recent rises in house prices, suggests the consumer is spending again