UK retail sales record surprising lift in January

Retail sales volumes rose unexpectedly by 0.9% in January as customers were tempted to UK stores with discounts on furniture and household goods.

This compares to economists’ forecasts of a monthly fall of 0.4%.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics showed that retail sales in the month rose at their fastest rate since April 2011,  to give an annual rise of 2%.

This is the second month in a row that sales rose unexpectedly. There was also a surprise lift in December of 0.6% driven by shoppers taking advantage of hefty pre-Christmas discounts.

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