Three major storms contributed to retail sales during February falling 0.4% on a like-for-like basis. This compared to an increase of 2.6% in the corresponding period last year.
The figures from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG showed total sales edged up just 0.1%, compared to a rise of 3.2% in February 2019.
Over the three months to February, food sales increased 0.3% on a like-for-like basis and 1% on a total basis. Meanwhile, non-food sales increased by 0.6% like-for-like and by 0.7% in total.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC said: “Clouds continued to hang over the retail industry in February, as storm Ciara, Dennis and Jorge took their toll on retail sales, particularly in fashion.
“Despite many indicators suggesting a rise in confidence among UK shoppers in recent months, this has failed to translate into higher retail sales. However, the end of the month saw a slight rise in spending on food and healthcare as a result of concerns around coronavirus.”
Commenting on the food & drink sector, Susan Barratt, CEO at IGD said: “After a decidedly lacklustre start to 2020, food and grocery sales in February saw a clear uptick from January with an increase in like-for-like and total growth. Things like the timing of Valentine’s Day on a Friday certainly played a role in the middle of the month. Also, with increased attention on coronavirus, it seems likely this may have had a modest impact over the last week in particular with shoppers buying extra food and grocery items.”
