UK retail sales rise eases pressure on high street
by Larry Elliott Economics editor from on (#3JV02)
Slight uplift in February is not enough to make up for weak December and January
Tough trading conditions for Britain's hard-pressed retail sector eased slightly in February, according to official figures showing the first increase in sales in three months.
The Office for National Statistics said retail sales volumes were up by 0.8% last month but that the increase was not enough to make up for the weakness of spending in December and January - two crucial months for the sector.
Related: High street gloom: which chains are feeling the pain?
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