August’s summer blip in retail sales is a prelude to a bumper Christmas, according to retail recruiters.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that retail sales volumes fell to 2.1% in August from 2.9% in July.

Grant Morris, managing director at Elite Associates, told Recruiter: “There was always a dip in August. August takes a dip because people are on holiday.

“We are probably going to find that people will hold off for the sales but I think we will have a big Christmas.”

Stefan Brown, head of retail recruitment at ROC, adds: “The holiday season is a massive factor. Most people are pulling back on spending money, readying for Christmas.”