UK shop sales continued their wobble in the run up to the busy festive period with like-for-like sales flat-lining in the 12 months to October.

The zero growth reading compared with 0.8% expansion in the previous 12-month period. Total sales, including opening of new stores, increased 1.4% against a 2.6% rise previously.

Furniture and home categories performed best last month, while food and fashion performed poorly, partly due to the unseasonably warm weather during the month, according to the figures compiled by KPMG for the British Retail Consortium.

Online sales continue robust growth, weighing in at 15.4%, faster than a year before at 12.1%. It was the highest online growth since Christmas 2013.

David McCorquodale, head of retail at KPMG, said: "With Christmas in their sights, retailers are launching their highly anticipated festive campaigns to connect with and inspire consumers to shop with them this year.

He added: “All channels will be tested to the full over the coming weeks with a careful eye monitoring the margins."