Retail sales slump by largest annual fall since records began as coronavirus causes 1.9% drop
Retail sales have plummeted by the largest amount since records began as the coronavirus pandemic paralysed the shopping sector. A cycle of lockdowns and harsh restrictions to stop the spread of Covid-19 have seen High Streets decimated. Today the Office for National Statistics said sales were down 1.9 per cent, the biggest slump since figures started being collated in 1996. There was a slight 0.3 per cent rise in sales during December, but this was not enough to save the year. The high street has been decimated by the strict restrictions and lockdowns this year Normally busting parts of Lond...