Latest figures show little progress in capital's like-for-like sales
Retail sales in central London during March showed a 0.01 per cent year-on-year increase after a 0.4 per cent fall in February, according to figures published today.

Trade was therefore still much weaker than a year ago, although Easter and the warmer second half of the month boosted footfall and tourist spending, especially by US and Middle Eastern visitors, said the KPMG/BRC report.

'Many retailers did enjoy the usual Easter week boost, which lifted the figure out of February's negative territory and this was helped by good weather, some discounting and the increase in visitor numbers and tourist spending,' said BRC director-general Kevin Hawkins. 'However, big-ticket items - especially furniture and electrical goods - continued to suffer in March, as consumers remained cautious about over spending and anxious about the threat of interest rate increases.'

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