02/04/2002

CBI survey reveals shop sales remain strong

Retail sales remained strong in March but the annual rate of increase has edged down from the peaks over Christmas and the New Year, according to the CBI's latest monthly distributive trades survey.

The survey, released on Tuesday April 2, was conducted between 5 and 20 March 2002 with 268 retail outlets taking part.

Ian McCafferty, CBI Chief Economic Adviser, said: “Shop sales have dropped down a gear. They are still strong but they have edged down from the peaks seen at Christmas and the New Year. Retailers are still confident that consumers will keep on spending but competition is fierce and there is little sign of inflation.”

Compared with a year earlier, 50 per cent of firms said sales were up while 19 per cent said they were down.

The three-month moving average, which smoothes out month-to-month fluctuations, also remains strong but this too has eased the report reveals.

Firms are still confident about demand and expect sales to grow in the coming month. Stock levels have risen steadily since December, relative to expected demand. This has led to an easing in the growth of orders with suppliers.

In the wholesale sector, sales volumes bounced back following two months of steep decline. This growth expected to continue in the coming month.

Motor traders' sales volumes are still growing strongly. March marks the release of new registration plates and sales are reported to be significantly stronger than at the same time a year ago.

Sales growth is expected to continue over the coming month and is above average for the time of year.

(AMcE)

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