UK retail sales volumes fell for the twelfth straight month in September, with a net balance of -29% (vs -32% in August), and the pace of decline is expected to accelerate further in October (-36%).

• Sales for the time of year were judged “poor” at -13% (Aug: -19%), though conditions are projected to worsen sharply in October (-43%).

• Online retail sales swung to a steep decline of -24% (Aug: +3%), but the pace of contraction is expected to moderate next month (-19%).

• Wholesale sales volumes weakened further at -30% (Aug: -25%), though firms anticipate a slower rate of decline in October (-22%).

• Total distribution sales (retail, wholesale, motor trades) contracted more sharply at -35% (Aug: -28%), with expectations of a smaller drop in October (-28%).

• Retail orders to suppliers contracted at -36% (Aug: -40%), with continued weakness projected for October (-38%).

• Retail stock levels relative to expected demand held firm at +24% (Aug: +23%), remaining above the long-run average of +17%.

• Motor trade sales plunged to -67% (Aug: -30%), though firms expect a significant easing of the decline in October (-28%).