Retail sales volumes fell at a fast pace in the year to December, according to the latest monthly CBI Distributive Trades Survey. This marked the eighth consecutive month of decline in year-on-year sales. Looking ahead, retailers appear to be gloomy about the sector’s fortunes in the new year, with firms anticipating an even sharper contraction in sales next month. The key survey findings included: Retail sales volumes fell in the year to December at a faster pace than last month (weighted balance of -32% from -11% in the year to November). Sales volumes are expected to decline at an even quicker rate next month ... (full story)