Department stores and household goods led the increase, while supermarket sales volumes fell back
Fall in clothing prices drives decline but services inflation holds at 5% in February
Shoppers continued to cut volume of goods they purchased in February, industry data indicates
Figures come as chancellor struggles to revive the economy, with business survey showing activity is stalling
Pound falls and gilts rally as investors bet on more interest rate cuts
Retailer says measures will cost it £67mn in current financial year and warns of potentially chilling effect on economy
BRC survey suggests consumers stayed cautious during what is usually busiest time of year
Supermarkets performed well in November but clothing stores had tough month
Many companies report worsening conditions following rise in employers’ national insurance contributions
Tech purchases fuel unexpected growth of 0.3%
Positive data raises hopes for a busy Christmas shopping season
Figures from British Retail Consortium and Barclays point to more purchases of summer clothing and barbecues
ONS reports 0.5% rise in quantity of goods bought helped by Euros tournament and shop discounts
Surge in payments as England fans drowned their sorrows fails to offset decline in overall consumer transactions
Public finance data shows large debt challenge facing next government
Volume drops 2.3% compared with forecast of 0.4% decline
Value of retail sales fell at an annual rate of 4% in April, after 3.5% growth in March
Economists had expected 0.3% expansion in March
Data from British Retail Consortium points to signs of recovery for sector ahead of warmer months
ONS figures defy expectations of contraction as growth in clothing purchases offsets lower food sales
British Retail Consortium says consumer demand was hit by bad weather
Increase in January volumes suggests economy has picked up momentum after weak end to 2023
Figures from British Retail Consortium point to continuing impact of cost of living crisis on households
Uptick in inflation and disappointing retail sales complicate picture for Bank of England, say analysts
Figures raise risk that UK fell into technical recession at the end of 2023
