Retailers have kicked off the new year in robust fashion after a rebound in fortunes for clothing stores, figures from the CBI showed today.
Its survey of 127 firms revealed that sales volumes grew at a slower pace than the previous month - when bumper Black Friday sales boosted the performance - but that the rate of growth remains healthy.
Sales volumes are well above average for the time of year, with fashion retailers reporting the strongest rise in sales since February 2013 as the sector recovers from the impact of warm autumn weather.
The CBI said there was also robust growth from grocers, furniture and carpets retailers, as well as jewellery and second-hand goods stores.
The business lobby group reported that retailers expect a repeat of the performance in the year to February.
Rain Newton-Smith, the CBI's director of economics, said: "After the sales bonanza of Black Friday cooled down, retailers saw solid footfall through the doors over the Christmas trading period, leading to further robust growth in sales in the New Year."
The survey found that 50 per cent of retailers said that sales volumes were up in January on a year ago, whilst 10 per cent said they were down, giving a rounded balance of plus 39 per cent. This was above expectations for a rise of 35 per cent.
Ms Newton-Smith added: "Falling oil prices and low inflation mean consumers have a bit more money in their pockets. We expect to see this translate into strong sales growth in the months ahead."
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