Retail sales growing at fastest pace since 2016

Fears of a Brexit hit to consumer confidence appeared to be unfounded as new figures showed retail sales grew at their fastest rate since 2016 over the three months to March.

In the three months to March, retail sales volumes were up 5 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier and 6.7 per cent over the previous 12 months.

The official figures published by the Office for National Statistics found that only department stores showed a decline in the quantity of sales in the period. Online retailing was the fastest growing sector, with sales volumes rising by 23 per cent in the year to March.

Rhian Murphy, head of retail sales at the ONS, said: “Retail sales increased in the three months to March, following sustained growth throughout the first three months of the year.

“March’s mild weather boosted sales, with food shops also recovering after a weak February.”

However, other experts warned that the monthly figures could be distorted by the timing of Easter.

Anne Alexandre, RSM manager at the British Retail Consortium, said: “We welcome the improving sales figures.”