The Times, Daily Telegraph.

UK retail sales rose by 6.2% compared with March 2006 when sales fell, the British Retail Consortium reported.

Like-for-like basis, which strips out changes in floorspace, sales rose by 3.9%, the strongest figure since last April.

Women’s clothing sold well, as did handbags and men’s casual clothes

Accountant Grant Thornton said that while the results would be ‘music to many retailers’ ears’, but the Bank of England may try to curb consumer demand with a further interest rate rise.