Retail sales in the UK saw their biggest monthly fall since the start of the year in November, normally one of the strongest months of the year.

Figures from Mastercard suggest retail sales growth fell to 4% in the 12-month period from last November from 4.5% in October.

Clothing and discount retailers and department stores were hit hard, with a reluctance to cut prices seen as partly to blame, while sales for electronic goods, food, music, books and personal care items saw stronger sales.

With consumers feeling the impact of the credit crunch and higher prices for fuel and food, retailers could face a tough year in 2008.