29/04/2009 - 'Respite' for retailers in April
April retail figures indicate a "respite" rather than a "revival" for the fortunes of the UK's recession-battered retailers, according to the CBI business lobby group.
The first half of the month brought higher sales volumes for 4% of firms, the group reported. Although this was the best result since January 2008, the figures were skewed by this year's later Easter, it added.
The CBI's distributive trades panel survey also showed that 15% of retailers expect sales to fall back again in May.
Panel chairman Andy Clarke commented: "The good turnout by shoppers over this year's later Easter may well have influenced the April retail figures, and while they mark a respite, they should not be taken as an indication of a high street revival.
"With unemployment rising and growth in average earnings down, consumers remain very wary, and retailers themselves think that sales will drop again in May."
Grocers saw the biggest jump in sales volumes over the month, and an improvement was also seen by footwear shops. However, all other sectors reported falls - with durable household goods the worst hit.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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