Retail sales in Great Britain dampened by poor weather

March sales fell by 0.9%, says ONS, which was more than economists had predicted

Retail sales in Great Britain fell more than expected in March as poor weather kept shoppers at home, ending two months of increased spending by consumers.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales volumes fell 0.9% last month as the wettest March in 40 years dampened shopper enthusiasm for visiting department stores, clothing shops and garden centres.