UK retail sales surge due to colder weather and Halloween

Consumers remain defiant despite Brexit uncertainty and inflation fears as sales grow at fastest annual pace for 14 years

A surprise leap in retail sales volumes last month has boosted hopes the UK economy will end the year on a high note, as consumers continue to shrug off the shock of the Brexit vote.

A rush to buy winter clothes and buoyant Halloween trade for supermarkets helped UK retail sales grow at the fastest annual pace for 14 years in October, according to official figures.

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