A welcome return of the shoppers

THE high street bounced back to sales growth in May as offers and discounts tempted shoppers into stores, figures show.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jun 2013, 09:24 BST

Like-for-like sales were up 1.8 per cent on the same period in 2012, with online spending helping businesses to shift stock left over during a weather-hit slump the month before. Sofas, flat-packs and bedroom furniture led the way as consumers opted to invest in home improvement amid a series of promotions. The figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) come after April saw sales fall at their fastest rate for a year.

They provide a boost for hopes of a sustained recovery in the wider economy amid the fears of some experts that a continued squeeze on household earnings could put the brakes on any upturn. BRC director general Helen Dickinson said it was a good result for retailers as they contended with changeable weather patterns and the continuing subdued UK picture.