Higher retail sales volume in March

Annual retail sales growth for March increased by 1.5 per cent compared with March 2008, driven by a 1.3 per cent increase in food stores, according to the Office for National Statistics. Sales performance across retail sectors continues to be mixed. Sales volume for textile, clothing and footwear rose by 8.4 per cent in March compared with March 2008.

There was continued weakness in non-specialised stores - such as department stores - with a fall of 1.1 per cent in March compared with the same period last year. Sales in non-specialised stores have fallen in nine out of the past 10 months.

Between February and March, total sales volume rose by 0.3 per cent. The largest rise was for textile, clothing and footwear stores at 1.5 per cent while the largest fall was for household goods stores at 2.0 per cent. Non-store retailing and repair rose by 3.4 per cent.

Total sales volume in the three months to March was 2.0 per cent higher than the same period a year ago. The largest rise was for textile, clothing and footwear at 7.9 per cent. Household goods stores decreased by 3.9 per cent, the largest fall in more than 18 years. Non-store retailing and repair rose by 12.9 per cent.

Internet sales in March represented 3.4 per cent of total retail sales and the non-seasonally adjusted average weekly value of Internet retail sales rose from approximately £167 million in February to around £172 million.

Image: Retail Sales