UK commercial sales rates in October were 1.2% higher than in September, growing for the sixth month in a row, according to the Office for National Statistics.
In the UK, sales were higher than the same month last year by 5.8%, with merchants reporting consumers had started Christmas shopping earlier than usual.
Online sales jumped by 52.8% as shops in some regions were affected by the Coronavirus restrictions.
Deputy national statistician for economic statistics Jonathan Athow said: "Despite the introduction of some local lockdowns in October, sales process continued its current run of strong growth."
Shops suggested some consumers may have brought forward their Christmas shopping, before the potential restrictions. Online stores also saw strong sales, enhanced by the widespread offers.
With that, the slow recovery in clothing sales has stalled after five consecutive months of increased sales.
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