British retailers are bracing for a bumpy Christmas. With the cost of living creeping up again and a government budget scheduled to land in the midst of the festive shopping season, the so-called golden quarter may be somewhat tarnished.
Retail sales have been pretty decent over recent months as a hot, sunny summer prompted consumers to reach for their strappy tops and short-sleeved shirts and fire up their barbecues. Kingfisher Plc, owner of DIY chain B&Q, also enjoyed double-digit growth in demand for kitchens and bathrooms.
Brits flocked to pub gardens, with August bringing the first positive trading month for the hospitality ...