LONDON (Reuters) – British retail sales volumes remained stagnant in March, marking the first time sales have not grown in monthly terms since December, the Office for National Statistics said on Friday.
Economists polled by Reuters had mostly expected sales volumes to rise 0.3% in the month after high inflation eased recently.
But the ONS said sales volumes showed no growth of 0.0% last month after rising by an upwardly revised 0.1% in February.
“Hardware stores, furniture stores, petrol stations and clothing stores have all reported increased sales,” ONS senior statistician Heather Bovill said.
“However, these gains have been offset by declines in sales at food and department stores, where retailers say higher prices have hit trading. Looking at the longer-term picture, over the past three months retail sales have increased after a disappointing Christmas.”
The pound fell briefly against the US dollar soon after the data was released.
Sales volumes, excluding fuel sales, fell 0.3% on the month, the ONS said.