UK retail sales were up 3.1% on a like-for-like basis, compared with January 2006, when sales had risen only 0.2% after a strong Christmas.
The three-month trend rate of growth edged up to 2.1% from 1.9% in December, for like-for-like sales, and to 4.1% from 4.0% for total sales, reflecting the continued growth of retail space.
Clothing sales slowed, despite heavy discounting, and furniture fell further below the levels reported this time last year. Home accessories showed good gains for some, but were often discount-driven.
Clearance sales achieved strong growth but often at the expense of margins. Consumer confidence has weakened since Christmas and discounts are still a big driver of sales.
British Retail Consortium, UK
marketing@alchempro.com
