Figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show three-month like-for-like sales growth rose to 2.7 per cent in May, up from 1.7 per cent in April, and total sales rose to 5.6 per cent from 4.7 per cent, reflecting the continued growth of retail space.
The BRC said the warmer start to the month helped spring/summer ranges, but added that the cold, wet second half led to sales declines in most sectors. Food sales held up and sales of widescreen TVs showed 'excellent gains' ahead of the World Cup.
With consumer confidence still weak, amid concerns about personal finances, shoppers remain wary of committing to larger housing-related purchases.
BRC director-general Kevin Hawkins called the figures 'superficially encouraging', but warned the result should be set against a weak comparative with May last year.
'While certain products are now in demand in anticipation of the World Cup, others remain heavily dependent on price cuts,' he said. 'Consumer confidence remains fragile and an increase in interest rates is the last thing that either consumers or retailers need.'
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