Latest figures from the British Retail Shop Consortium (BRCS) show that retail sales in central London in March were 9.9% higher on a like-for-like basis than a year ago, when sales had risen 5.2%. Good Friday and Easter Saturday falling in the March trading period this year but in April 2009 boosted the year-on-year comparison.
The BRC said retail footfall in March rose above its year-earlier level for the first time since October 2009. The earlier Easter holiday and several mid-season sales and promotions attracted shoppers into the capital. Sterling’s weakness also continued to attract overseas visitors. London was also a popular destination for Europeans over the Easter holiday. Chinese visitors remained more numerous than a year ago.
The BRC said that Easter purchasing falling in March this year but April last year boosted food sales. Non-food like bicycle also benefited, though consumer caution and unseasonable weather limited the gains.
The BRC said retail footfall in March rose above its year-earlier level for the first time since October 2009. The earlier Easter holiday and several mid-season sales and promotions attracted shoppers into the capital. Sterling’s weakness also continued to attract overseas visitors. London was also a popular destination for Europeans over the Easter holiday. Chinese visitors remained more numerous than a year ago.
The BRC said that Easter purchasing falling in March this year but April last year boosted food sales. Non-food like bicycle also benefited, though consumer caution and unseasonable weather limited the gains.
