BBC: UK retailers could be set to experience a very limited rise in Christmas sales compared with last year, the British Retail Consortium has warned.
The trade body estimates that like-for-like sales, which exclude new store openings, could increase less than 3% this festive season from 2006.
Its warning came after it said the sector had experienced a tough 2007.
A separate Lloyds TSB study said consumer confidence had been hit by higher prices and mortgage payments. >>
Mark Alexander
