UK retail sales fell by 0.8% in value on a like-for-like basis during May, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), as the sunny weather buoyed sales.
But food sales slowed after the strong Easter boost in April.
Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC, said: “Sun and bank holidays don’t a recovery make. Warm weather and days off produced some good performances for seasonal clothing and outdoor living products such as gardening goods and summer food and drink.
“But this May was always going to be difficult because the comparison is with strong May sales last year, which delivered some of 2008′s best growth figures.
Helen Dickinson, head of retail, KPMG, said: “These figures may look disappointing after last month’s positive results were flattered by the timing of Easter, but extremely challenging market conditions – particularly for the non-food sectors – continue. Stronger sales last year – May was the last month to report positive like-for-like growth in 2008 – also impacted this month’s results.
Food and drink
On food and drink, IGD chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch said: “At last, some sources are beginning to report signs of economic stabilisation: the stock market is strengthening, the pound is up and confidence seems to be improving. Even the weather was good in May, especially in the second half.
“There is a long way to go, however, and the difficult climate is being reflected in shopping choices. IGD research shows that 28% of shoppers have changed their grocery shopping habits and most say they will not change back, regardless of any economic recovery.
“Fortunately, UK grocery is an agile business and, with compelling deals, continues to perform.”
Food sales growth slowed after a strong April, although they did pick up at the end of May when the hot sunny weekends boosted salads and fresh fruit, barbecue foods, ice cream, beers, wines and soft drinks.
On cooler days, roasting and stewing meats, vegetables and home baking took over. With household budgets under pressure, basic ingredients often did better than ready meals, and value lines remained popular.
