NORTH West retailers are enjoying bumper sales thanks to colds and flu!

Sufferers buying remedies for their ailments have helped fuel a mini-spending boom in the high street, according to accountants KPMG.

National Lottery ticket sales also helped contribute to December's increase in sales - the second largest for two years.

"Last year ended on a very positive note," said David Illingworth, North West head of retail and distribution services.

"However many retailers remain anxious over consumer confidence levels.

"Many businesses launched sales and while these will have contributed to the growth in volume margins are likely to have suffered."

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