High street sales in the UK showed improvement in the latest monthly survey by business group the CBI.

Sales grew modestly in the year to October, and at the most positive rate in almost two years after a balance of +8% of respondents reported better figures.

The survey also showed that sales in sectors related to the housing market improved, and that the high street anticipates stronger sales growth in November.

Looking to November, a balance of 19% of those polled expects sales volumes to improve, which is the most optimistic since July, 2007 (+19%).

Meanwhile, sales were reported to be poor for the time of year by a balance of +5% of retailers, which was a marked improvement on September (-22%).

Andy Clarke, Chief Operating Officer of Asda, said: “It is heartening to see signs of life in sectors related to the housing market, particularly those retailers selling white goods and furniture, who have had a torrid two years.

“And we think some consumers will bring forward big ticket purchases to beat the VAT rise in January.”