Retail sales in the UK dropped to its lowest level since August 2012 in April 2013, according to data from the Distributive Trades Survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
The survey, which inlcuded 115 firms, of which 62 were retailers, 46 were wholesalers and seven motor traders, also oberved well below average sales volumes for the time of year, and weaker than expected.
There was slight support to sales growth from the Easter trading period, continuing a steadily weakening trend in sales growth since November, CBI noted.
According to the survey, 37% of retailers said sales were down on their level in April 2012 while 36% reported an increase, giving a balance of -1%.
While grocers recorded first year-on-year rise in sales in three months, clothing and footwear & leather retailers saw a strong fall in sales.
CBI Distributive Trades Survey Panel chair Barry Williams said April sales brought frustation for retailers, with on-going stagnation in sales growth.
"This may be explained in part by the unseasonal weather we suffered, but there is no doubt that high street conditions are tricky with consumers lacking the confidence to go out and spend, as they still feel the pinch in their pocket," Williams added.
The outlook is, however, brighter for next month, when sales volumes are expected to pick-up in the year to May, with 27% of firms expecting an increase versus 33%, resulting in a balance of -6%.
Sales volumes are expected to be above average for the time of year, with 18% of retailers expecting sales volumes to be good and 45% poor, giving a rounded balance of -27%.
