The British Retail Consortium has reported that supermarkets are “fighting back” as like-for-like sales for the UK retail industry increased by 3.2% compared to a decrease of 1.7% the previous year. On a total basis, sales were up 4.7%, against a 0.3% fall in March 2014.
Food sales experienced their strongest growth since July 2013, as consumers stocked up for Easter.
Director general, Helen Dickinson of the BRC commented "People hit the high street in March as the three month average showed that brick and mortar stores have contributed more to growth than online sales - the first time since August 2014. Looking at retail as a whole, there was a 4.7% bump in sales, strengthened by the inclusion of Easter but underpinned by slow but steady growth.
"An increase in consumers venturing out to shop can be expected at this time of year and although this period is often difficult to measure due to Easter distortions, we saw a marked increase in sales across home categories including Furniture and Household Appliances, even though fashion sales were a bit subdued. As could be expected during Easter, shoppers had a greater appetite for food with a 1.8% increase in sales over the last three months.
"All-in-all, retailers can also be satisfied with the consumer response to their Mother's Day and Easter offerings, but it is important to note that April figures will be impacted by the absence of Easter this year."
