date:Sep 23, 2013
Tinsley told the BBC that the drop in retail sales is largely down to the weather.
Food sales were exceptionally strong in July... as the temperature improved markedly. While August was also pleasant, that level of sales was probably difficult to sustain, said Tinsley.
The retail sales figures are based on a monthly survey of 5,000 UK retailers, including all large retailers who employ 100 people or more.