41 per cent of retailers said volumes were down
Sales in the year to May fell for the third successive month, according to the CBI's quarterly Distributive Trades Survey.

This is the third month that retailers have reported declining sales, though the margin between retailers reporting falling sales versus improving volumes has narrowed compared with last month.

Forty one per cent of retailers reported declining volumesfor the period, while 33 per cent of retailers said sales were up on last May.

The CBI concluded that conditions remain touch and go on the high street, hitting those retailers hardest that compete in categories that most closely correlate with the housing market.

Asda executive director and chairman of the CBI's DTS panel John Longworth said: 'Sales volumes improved between April and May, but volumes remain a little lower than a year ago and prices are on a downward trend.'

'Sales of groceries, books and stationery are up on a year ago, but those of big ticket items, furniture, carpets, DIY goods and clothing are down,' he added.

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