08/06/2010 - TV sales help boost retail figures
The warmer weather and a rise in demand for new televisions ahead of the World Cup helped to drive up UK sales in May, according to new data.
Retail sales grew by 0.8% according to figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
It comes after a dip in April ahead of the general election and the timing of Easter.
Sales of clothes and DIY items were also boosted by the warmer temperatures, the BRC said, while non-food non-store sales were up by 21.9%, the highest since December.
And experts predicted the World Cup could offer further retail cheer, with the potential for a much-needed boost to shopper confidence if England enjoy a long run in the tournament.
Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC, said: "The sunnier second half of May provided a welcome boost to overall sales. The warmer weather combined with discounts and promotions encouraged spending on clothing, footwear, outdoor DIY and gardening."
He added: "The run-up to the World Cup helped sales of televisions, though this was largely discount-driven. With the tournament getting closer, there should be a further uplift and to other football merchandise such as flags and replica kits."
The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor showed retail sales rebounding from a 2.3% slump in April, although this was partly down to the effect of Easter.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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