British retail sales jump as online jewellery firms offer surprise Christmas sparkle

Sales volume rise of 0.4% in December confounds forecasts as new survey shows sharp rebound in consumer confidence

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UK retail sales were stronger than expected last month, as the nation’s shops received a surprise boost during the crucial Christmas trading period.

Sales volumes across Great Britain rose by 0.4% in December, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), with internet sales doing particularly well, especially online jewellers.