Retail sales rose in April, says Office for National Statistics

Retail sales experienced an unexpected boost in April, rising by 0.9% since March figures, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has said.

The ONS has stated that sales in clothing and footwear were especially strong during April, and that department stores experienced their best year-on-year performance since February 2008. 

Vicky Redwood of research consultants Capital Economics, said:

"The High Street has enjoyed a decent bounce in spending lately. It's therefore looking increasingly likely that there has been a more fundamental improvement in sales, perhaps related to the pick-up in disposable incomes caused by falling inflation and interest rates."

Compared with last year, sales in general have increased by 2.6%. Though retailers will be encouraged by the results, economists are warning that they are unlikely to signal the start of the economic recovery just yet.

21/05/09