DIY has been a stand-out performer in the year to November, according to the latest retail sales research from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Sales overall have also remained resilient, with the pace of growth expected to accelerate once again in the Christmas run-up.

The CBI's quarterly survey, which includes retailers and wholesalers, found that leading the way in sales growth were hardware and DIY retailers, up 54%, furniture and carpet retailers, up 74%, and grocers, up 67%.

Employment growth also remained robust, with the rise in headcount in the retail sector anticipated to be the fastest since May 2002 in the year to December. However, average selling prices have been under pressure, and are now rising at their slowest pace since May 2009. They are expected to slow still further next month, to the lowest rate since May 2006.

The CBI also found that stocks have hit a record high relative to expected demand, which may in part be due to disappointingly weak sales in October.

Retailers expect their overall business situation to improve over the next three months.