Shops struggle to claw back ground in February

Shops struggled to recover last month amid the brutal lockdown with clothing sales half the level of a year ago.

Grim figures today showed volumes only rose 2.1 per cent in February, having slumped by 8.2 per cent as the third national lockdown was imposed in January. They are still 3.7 per cent lower than before the pandemic hit. 

Food and household goods saw the biggest rebounds, while there was also evidence of consumers stocking up on outdoor equipment in anticipation of the restrictions easing in Spring. 

The proportion spent online hit another record, increasing to 36.1 per cent from 35.2 per cent in January. 

However, the outlook remained dire for clothing retailers, with volumes still 50.4 per cent lower than February last year.

Deputy National Statistician for Economic Statistics Jonathan Athow said: ‘Despite national restrictions, retail sales partially recovered from the hit they took in January.

‘Food and department stores benefited from essential retail remaining open with budget-end department stores seeing increased sales. 

‘Household goods also fared well, with feedback suggesting spending on home improvement and outdoor products boosted sales as consumers prepared for an easing of lockdown restrictions. 

‘However, clothing stores continue to struggle with sales down more than half on their pre-pandemic level.

‘The share of online sales increased to a record high reflecting the impact the pandemic has had on consumer spending.’