UK retail sales rise in January
UK retail sales grew last month according to figures released by the British Retail Consortium.
The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor shows that like-for-like retail sales rose 1.9% in January compared to the same time last year, while total sales were up 3%.
This was the highest total sales growth since September 2012 and best like-for-like sales growth for 13 months.
Online sales increased by 10.1%.
Never Miss a Retail Update!The BRC said that although sales suffered during the cold snap, this was short-lived and did not cancel out the overall positive performance during the month.
Sales were boosted by consumers talking advantage of offers and promotions, particularly in food, and by people buying full-price premium products such as tablet computers and smartphones.
Helen Dickinson, director general, British Retail Consortium, said: “After a fairly subdued December, these results are sure to lift spirits for many. Retailers didn’t have high hopes for strong sales at Christmas, but this meant that they prepared well and headed into the New Year with less stock to clear than last year.
“All in all, these figures give a sense that the mood is lifting a little for customers and retailers. Let’s hope it continues.”
David McCorquodale, head of retail at KPMG, added: “It is encouraging to see such positive results in what is traditionally a challenging month.”
