London sales bounce back
Retail sales in central London in May were 11.6% higher on a like-for-like basis than a year ago, when sales had risen only 1.7%.
Stronger consumer confidence in London helped boost sales. Retail footfall in May picked up to just above its year-earlier level, after a year-on-year decline in April. Special sales events and discounts helped attract shoppers into the capital.
Sterling’s weakness continued to attract overseas visitors, especially from western Europe, China and the Middle East. Tourists began to return to the UK after the volcanic ash disruption eased.
Food sales strengthened again after Easter distortions had depressed sales in April. Non-food similarly picked up. Clothing, footwear and outdoor leisure were boosted by sunny weather.
