THE value of UK retail sales in April was down sharply on a year earlier because of the earlier Easter and underlying weakness particularly in the non-food category, writes Ian McConnell.

The latest figures from the British Retail Consortium show the value of sales in April was down by 3.1 per cent on the same month of last year.

Retail sales value in March had been up by 2.3% on a year earlier, as Easter provided a boost during that trading period.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “A drop in sales this April, compared to last, was almost inevitable given the earlier timing of Easter.”

She noted that much of the spending in preparation for the Easter weekend had fallen in March this year.

However, she said: “Even once we take account of these seasonal distortions, the underlying trend in sales growth is heading downwards.

“The first glimpse of summer may have temporarily lifted clothing and footwear, but non-food sales overall continue to be weak.”

Ms Dickinson added: “Consumers’ discretionary spending power remains under pressure and the reality is that, with only a gradual return to solid growth in real incomes expected, the market environment is likely to remain extremely challenging for most retailers.”