Official figures show that the volume of retail sales fell sharply in August compared with July. Sales fell by 1.1%, the biggest monthly drop in more than a year.
The annual rate of growth slowed to 5.1% from 7.4% in July.
Department store sales were down 3.5% in the month, while electrical goods fell 5.4%. Hardware, paints and glass sales dropped by 3.5%. Bar sales were up 1.1% in the month, however, though they are still showing a 1.5% fall over the year.
