Retail sales volumes have fallen for a seventh consecutive month, with companies braced for another decline in December.
Sales were described as disappointing for the time of year and trade is expected to fall short of normal pre-Christmas levels, a CBI survey found.
However, it appears that confidence among retailers is on the rise, even if few believe that a revival in activity is imminent.
Meanwhile, the British Retail Consortium has warned that the measures laid out in the Autumn Statement last week will stoke inflation and drive up the costs of doing business for the high street.
