But like-for-likes up for January to March period
A late Easter and a cold spring resulted in retail sales in March falling by 1.4 per cent on a like-for-like basis, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC) figures released today.

Total sales were up by 1.6 per cent, reflecting the continued growth of retail space.

Over the three-month period from January to March, like-for-like sales were up by 0.3 per cent and overall sales increased by 3.4 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Food and drink sales were flat, but this was compared to Easter falling in the same period last year. The unseasonably cold weather has resulted in an overall dip in clothing sales. Footwear sales were below last year's levels despite discounting. There were some positive signs for electricals, with new technology and small appliances performing well. The growth in the home and leisure sector was driven largely by discounting.

BRC director-general Kevin Hawkins said: 'The probability is that, after adjusting for the timing of Easter, the underlying trend in like-for-like sales is, at best, flat. Although the housing market has been talked up for the past few months, none of this has, as yet, fed through to the DIY sector. Nor is there any sign of the Bank of England's expected growth in consumer spending.'

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