The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed an underlying retail sales increase of 2.5 per cent for last month, compared with 1.9 per cent the month before.
Food retailers' underlying sales increased 2.6 per cent. The rise was 3.4 per cent in clothing and footwear and 3.8 per cent in homeware.
Non-store retailing (internet and mail order) underlying sales decreased 3.2 per cent.
Overall, shop prices were down 1.2 per cent, compared with 1.1 per cent the month before.
The average weekly value of sales was£4.7 billion, 3.6 per cent higher than in April last year.
Barclays director of retail and wholesale Paul Clarke said: 'While a late Easter resulted in an improving sales trend, tough trading conditions persist, with price deflation running at 1.2 per cent.
'Retailers are downplaying expectations of a World Cup bonanza. England's first match against Paraguay on a Saturday afternoon will keep shoppers out of the shops. Retailer will be torn between wanting England to do well, but not wanting any more Saturday games.'
No comments yet