Retail sales rise despite Brexit

Retail sales increased by 3.7% in comparison to February 2016, despite worries regarding Brexit.

The quantity bought also increased by 1.4% in February in comparison to January 2017.

Online sales have also increased year-on-year by 20.7% and it now accounts for approximately 15.3% of all retail spending.

Commenting on the official retail figures, Kate Davies, ONS Senior Statistician said: “February’s retail sales figures show fairly strong growth, though the underlying three-month picture shows falling sales as February’s figures follow two consecutive months of decline in December and January.

“The monthly growth in February is seen across all store types. The underlying trend suggests that rising petrol prices in particular have had a negative effect on the overall quantity of goods bought over the last three months.”