People starting buying Christmas food early last month as they sought to spread the cost of the festive season, official figures indicate.
Sales volumes at food stores rose by 0.9% in November, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
However, sales overall fell by 0.4% as shoppers remained under pressure as the cost of living continues to rise.
Online sales also fell, with Black Friday promotions failing to lift the sector, the ONS said.
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