UK retailers saw sales return to growth in April as shoppers continued to spend despite continued high inflation, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics revealed that retail sales volumes increased by 0.5% last month, following a fall of 1.2% in March.
Economists had only predicted an increase of 0.3% for the month.
However, the ONS added that sales volumes were down 3% on the same month last year, although shoppers spent more due to higher pricing.
Retail sales volumes grew 0.5% in April, following a revised fall of 1.2% in March.
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— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) May 26, 2023
ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: “Retail sales grew, partially rebounding from a poor weather-affected March, with jewellers, sports retailers and department stores all having a good month.
“Despite continued high food prices, supermarkets also recovered from the fall in March.
“However, these were partly offset by a drop in the amount of fuel sold, despite prices also dropping.”
