Retail sales fell unexpectedly in November as Black Friday discounts failed to boost spending, official figures show.
Supermarket sales fell for the fourth month in a row, while discounts at retailers across November did not lift Black Friday spending as much as in recent years, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said
Analysts had expected total sales volumes to rise by 0.4% in November. Instead, they fell 0.1%, however, sales in recent months have increased thanks to more computers, clothing and furniture purchases.
A separate survey released on Friday suggested shoppers have been willing to spend in lead-up to Christmas, with consumer confidence in December matching a 16-month high.