The chaps at Zero Hedge got my attention:

I did some digging ... it's the BDO High Street Sales Tracker:

  • U.K. like-for-like sales at mid-market retailers (excluding non-store sales) fell 5.2% y/y in October
  • worst month since April 2016

the "most horrific" October on record, due to a fall in spending, a drop in consumer confidence and unseasonably warm weather, according to BDO

BDO citing

  • consumers cutting spending ahead of Christmas
  • wage increases being outstripped by higher inflation
  • higher mortgage payments anticipated

Cable non responsive