Retail sales volumes growth eased slightly in the year to September but remained broadly in line with the long-run average. That's according to the latest CBI monthly Distributive Trades Survey.

The survey of 117 firms showed that sales volumes were in line with average for the time of year and are set to remain so again next month. Orders placed on suppliers were unchanged in the year to September and are expected to remain broadly flat next month.

Within the retail sector, growth in sales volumes was reported in the durable household goods, hardware & DIY, non-store (i.e. internet and mail order), and other normal goods sub-sectors. Meanwhile, sales volumes fell for the non-specialised (i.e. department stores), footwear & leather, chemists and recreational goods sub-sectors.

Year-on-year internet sales volumes expanded at a broadly average pace - for the third month running - in the year to September and are expected to grow at a similar pace again next month.