UK retail sales drop as shoppers cut back on food and clothes

Official figures show retail sales volumes down 1.3% in March, fanning fears that UK economy has lost momentum

Britain's retailers have been hit by a sharp drop in sales as shoppers cut back on food and clothes in the latest sign households are nervous about the economic outlook.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales volumes decreased 1.3% last month, a much sharper drop than the 0.1% dip forecast by economists in a Reuters poll. Sales were up 2.7% on the year, well below forecasts for 4.4% growth.

Retail sales increase 2.7% in Mar 16 compared with Mar 15, but down 1.3% on Feb 16 https://t.co/3a048CPDVG