On a weighted basis, 81% of retail chains selling footwear and leather said that their sales in November were higher than the year previous. Only 6% said there had been a fall, giving a balance of +75 percentage points. The results were all the more surprising given that 58% said their average selling prices were higher than in November 2001.   A total of 10 retail chains selling footwear and leather goods responded to the survey.

Of the 256 total, 42% reported higher sales than in November 2001, with 21% registering a fall, giving a balance of +21 percentage points – well short of the +35 figure expected. However, for the first time since July 2002, sales were reported to be above average for the time of year while the balance of retailers expecting improvement in the business situation was +11%. Wholesaler’s sales also increased for the third consecutive month and at their fastest rate for six months.

Commented Alastair Eperon, chairman of the CBI’s Distributive Trades Panel and a director of the Boots retail group: "Although sales growth is steady, nobody expects to break any sales records this Christmas. The early build-up has been somewhat disappointing."