The British Retail Consortium-KPMG Sales Monitor for April recorded an increase in retail sales of 4.8 per cent on a like-for-like basis, and growth of 7.6 per cent on a total basis compared with 2002.

However, combined results for March and April give a fairer reflection. Showing sales have grown by 1.8 per cent like-for-like and 4.5 per cent on a total basis.

The sales growth for the two months eliminates the impact of the change of timing for Easter.

Amanda Aldridge, Head of Retail for KPMG said: 'Retailers are having to work hard to keep people shopping and remain concerned that consumer confidence is very fragile.'