UK retail sales rose by 0.7% in March, compared to a revised 0.6% decline in February (originally a 0.4% drop), while forecasts had predicted no change. Sales in the first quarter rose by 1.6%, boosted by increased sales in non-food and non-traditional stores.

Specifically, retail sales excluding automotive fuel rose by 0.2% in March and 1.4% in the first quarter. Sales in non-food stores increased by 4.7% in the first quarter, while fuel prices rose by 6.1% in March and 3.2% in the first quarter. Sales outside of stores increased by 1.4% in March and 3.7% in the first quarter, while sales in clothing and footwear stores rose by 1.2% in March, supported by improved weather conditions.