London retailers enjoyed their highest like-for-like sales in five months during January, when shoppers in the capital were attracted by deep discounts and clearance Sales.

London sales were 6.5 per cent higher than a year ago on a like-for-like basis, according to the London Retail Sales Monitor.

Overseas tourists benefited from the weak pound and shoppers generally took advantage of bargains in homewares and fashion.

BRC director-general Stephen Robertson said: “After four months of annual declines, there was a strong bounce back in London’s January retail sales. Customers took advantage of the many clearance Sales on offer, resulting in the highest like-for-like increase since August. There was also a boost from overseas shoppers taking advantage of sterling’s weakness and the wide range of clearances.”

He added that the heavy snowfall in the first week of February would be likely to affect this month's sales. “London retailers will be hoping for more predictable weather for the rest of the year and that the sales increase in January can be maintained,” he said.

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