Total retail sales were up 2.3% in November and like-for-like sales were up 0.6% on November last year thanks to a surge of online sales following a slow start to the month.
The latest BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor for November 2013 shows that the DIY and gardening segment continues to benefit from home improvements, whereas outdoor product sales were unsurprisingly dampened by the cold weather. Furniture/flooring and homewares sectors showed continuing positive signs, with particular interest being paid to cooking and dining products.

House textiles was the best performing of the home categories last month, suggesting that customers have been preparing their homes for the Christmas period. Similarly, small kitchen appliances helped growth in the electrical sector as customers are getting ready for festive cooking, the report said.

Covering the four weeks from October 27 to November 23 this year, the report said that online sales of non-food products in the UK grew by 16% year-on-year; last November they grew 7.5%.

The picture shows that home accessories was ranked sixth for its total sales out of the eight sectors analysed, whereas it came in last place in 2012. In October this year, however, the sector was the second best performing category.

The BRC's director general, Helen Dickinson, said: "After a slow start, November growth picked up in a big way in the final week, when the one month countdown to Christmas coupled with falling temperatures saw many of us making a start on seasonal spending. Homewares had another strong showing, especially on the dining and decorative side, as thoughts turned to giving homes a festive refresh.

"Although slightly down on October, this is a respectable result, which keeps the three-month growth average ahead of the same period in 2012."

Head of retail at KPMG, David McCorquodale, added: "It remains tough out there on the high street, with sales slow but growth steady. Shoppers are playing a waiting game and delaying purchases for as long as possible in the hope of securing a discount.

"So here it is... multi-channel Christmas! Festive campaigns are now being played out and only those who have the stock, the systems and the logistics will be able to hold on to margin, whilst others may sell in the Christmas rush but count the cost in the aftermath."