Retail sales up 5.2% in February in surprise boost

British Retail Consortium-KPMG

Retail sales were better than predicted in February, according to the latest figures, as shoppers kept spending despite the cost of living crisis.

Total retail sales were 5.2% higher last month. However, although this was higher than expected, it compares unfavourably to a year ago when sales were up 6.7% for February. The February figures were also below the three month average of 5.5% but above the 12 month average of 2.4%, the data from the British Retail Consortium-KPMG sales monitor. 'Another kick in the teeth': Why is London's stock market light fading? Food sales led the charge, up 8.3% over the three months to February. Non-food sales rose 3.2%, but online non-food sales fell by 3.1%, though this compares to a fall of...