High street sales have deteriorated sharply this month, dashing hopes that a slight upturn in February sales signalled a new willingness by consumers to spend.
63% of retailers said that sales volumes were lower than in March last year, compared with 19% who reported a rise, according to figures from the CBI. The resulting balance of –44% is one of the lowest figures recorded.
Retailers expect little respite from the gloom, with the gauge of future sales falling to –42%, down from –33% last month.
The Times, Daily Telegraph
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