Retailers suffer worst December since 2010 - ONS

Retail sales fell more sharply than expected in the core Christmas month, capping the worst December performance for volumes since 2010.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) issued the grim update on the health of the high street just hours after Carpetright became the latest big name chain to announce a profit warning.Higher inflation, coupled with earnings failing to keep pace, has been a thorn in the side of the retail sector as the squeeze on shoppers' budgets has dented demand for non-es