Retail sales figures for April have been released showing an increase of 1.9 per cent on a like-for-like basis compared to April 2003.

The sales figures indicate that retailers are still cautious with cooler weather this April as well as rising costs of fuel and the rise in interest rates potentially preventing consumer spending in the months to come.

Easter did boost sales in some sectors such as cut flowers but the retail sales monitor proves that the retail climate is still not easy. BRC director general Kevin Hawkins said: "Whilst we have a small improvement over last month, the figures are flattered by comparison to a weak April last year and there is no sign of the sluggish trend ending. Consumer sentiment is fragile and sales are largely being driven by promotion, particularly in the food sector".

Food and drink sales showed some growth but were below expectations in some areas.

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