More bad news. U.K. retail sales were down 2.2% from October 2007 according to the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) October retail sales monitor. Total sales were down from a year ago for the first time since April 2005. Stephen Roberson, Director General of the BRC, seemed to sum it up when he said “These are seriously poor numbers” adding “These are tough times for families and retailers, who are hoping the Bank of England bold interest rate cuts will provide a much-needed boost.” Let’s hope so!!!!