The BDO High-Street Sales Tracker has indicated mid-market retailers have seen a 2.1 percent uplift in like-for-like sales in October, based on good footfall. Homewares improved significantly, but demand for winter clothing has been held back by the very warm weather.Retailers such as John Lewis recorded its best month of the year so far in October. Its online sales grew by a third with fashion the fastest growing area online. Electricals and home technology was the strongest performing buying group.
In other European retail news, Victoria's Secret has unveiled plans to expand into strategic markets, including the U.K., as part of an international expansion drive over the next few years. This will include an online operation for Europe. Its owner Limited Brands is also looking for a "best in continent" franchise partner to launch the cosmetics chain Bath and Body Works. Retail research house Verdict values the U.K. women's underwear market at £3.4 billion ($5.6 billion) a year.
And, finally, the first venture from former Woolworths' exec Andy Latham, called Alworths, has opened in Didcot in Oxfordshire, stocking everything from toys to garden equipment, and pick-and-mix sweets.
