LONDON (Reuters) – British shop sales rebounded in November after a sharp fall last month, and retail chains became more optimistic about the future despite signs of severe inflation pressure, an industry survey showed on Thursday.

The Confederation of British Industry’s monthly retail sales balance rose to +26 from -36 in October, beating the median forecast in a Reuters poll of +5.

Retailers also became more confident about the month ahead, with the balance of expected sales hitting a two-year high.

Still, quarterly figures from the CBI pointed to an uncertain outlook, with the net balance of retailers reporting rising prices hitting its highest level since 1991.

“Ahead of the crucial run up to Christmas, the weaker pound has pushed up prices and retailers are nervous about business conditions and are trimming their workforces,” CBI chief economist Rain Newton-Smith said.