Business for UK retailers got better again in April. Sales were 1.4 percent higher than in March, the ONS statistics office said on Friday in London.
On the other hand, analysts had expected a decline of 0.3 percent on average. The rise follows a 1.2 percent pullback in the previous month. The proceeds are still well above the level they had before the corona pandemic.
Online market share remains significantly higher than before the pandemic
In a three-month comparison, the result is less favourable. Through April, sales fell 0.3 percent from the previous three months. According to the ONS, there has been a downward trend in this regard since last summer.
In April, sales of alcohol and tobacco products rose, while food sales remained almost unchanged. Fuel sales at filling stations rose again, but this was also driven by significantly higher prices. Revenues from other goods declined.
Sales in non-stationary retail, which includes online trading in particular, increased significantly by 3.7 percent. The market share of online trade is still significantly higher than before the pandemic. (dpa)