Wet weather impacts February retail sales
Retail sales growth slowed in February as the month’s wet weather hit consumer spending.
According to the British Retail Consortium, UK total retail sales increased by 1.1% year-on-year in the month compared to an uplift of 2.7% in January.
Subscribe to TRBFood sales rose by 2.9%, outpacing a 0.4% slip in non-food.
Meanwhile, in-store food edged up 0.2% as online non-food dropped by 1.3% due to shoppers holding back following Christmas and January’s rebound.
The BRC noted that Valentine’s Day was a bright spot, with jewellery, watches and perfume all performing better.
Looking ahead, BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “While retailers look to Spring and better weather to lift spirits and revive sales, conflict in the Middle East threatens knocking any recovery off course.
“Prolonged low consumer confidence adds strain on retailers already facing mounting cost pressures, higher taxes and a growing regulatory burden.
“At such a time, government’s top priority should be to avoid piling on further cost and complexity and to think carefully about the real world impacts of aspects of the Employment Rights Act.
“Without realism and restraint, retailers will struggle to invest in the jobs the economy needs and prices households can afford.”
