12th consecutive month of falling sales volumes

Responding to the latest ONS Retail Sales Index figures, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:

“March saw sales volumes fall for the 12^th consecutive month. But despite many consumers tightening their purse strings, they still wanted to celebrate special occasions, and there was particular strong growth in jewellery and cosmetics sales thanks to Mother’s Day gifting. Meanwhile, clothing sales were held back by the wet weather in March.

“Retailers are optimistic for the big events on the Spring calendar such as the King’s Coronation, and other bank holidays. However, the removal of Government support for household bills from this month will mean consumer discretionary spend will be under additional pressure. We need Government to help retailers keep prices down and shore up consumer confidence by ensuring any additional regulatory burdens are kept to a minimum, as these additional cost pressures will inevitably mean that consumers will be further squeezed.”