UK retail figures come under scrutiny
The Office for National statistics has come under a renewed attack today after releasing retail sales figures for November which showed a 0.3% rise in the month and a 1.5% rise over the year. This is totally at odds with the feel and appearance of the UK high street and has caused many to question whether these figures are in fact correct. This is not the first time that official statistics and figures have been called into question although the UK stock market and economists around the country do depend upon these figures as a leader towards the direction of the economy.
While there is no doubt that internet sales have increased substantially over the last couple of years they would have to increase massively to make up for the obvious reduced sales on the high street something which many experts believe is impossible. If these figures are shown to be incorrect or inaccurate then the government has a serious situation on its hands.
We have all seen the massive discount sale days, enormous reductions in many shops and the promise of more discounts to follow as we approach Christmas. If this has seen sales increase then many people will be eating their words tonight.
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