Retail sales slow in February, BRC says

Strong furniture sales helped buoy the High Street in February even as overall pace of consumer spending slowed.

Like-for-like retail sales grew by 0.1% month-on-month in February following a gain of 0.2% in the month before, according to the British Retail Consortium.

On a total basis, sales were higher by 1.1% after an increase of 1.7% in the same month one year ago.

That was less than the three and twelve-month average rates of growth, BRC chief Helen Dickinson said.

"Competition remained strong in the grocery sector, while consumers proved willing to spend money on large ticket items, namely furniture, driving the month's performance," she added.

Clothing and footwear saw declines on a like-for-like basis the latest figures from BRC revealed.

Online sales of non-food products rose by 10.7% in February, up from the 8.3% clip seen one year ago.

Commenting on the figures, David McCorquodale, UK Head of Retail, KPMG, said: "The home and the heart drove February's sales growth as home improvement and Valentine's Day campaigns brought their rewards. Furniture was once again the strongest category, helped by a buoyant housing market and promotional activity by retailers in the sector. Jewellers also saw sales sparkle on a romantic revival.

"With the implementation of the National Living Wage only weeks away, all the focus is on promotional activity to drive sales and on productivity to protect margins. With fashion design choices made and an early Easter this year, clothing retailers will be hoping for March sunshine to launch the new season's wares."