Month-on-month retail sales grew by a better-than-expected 9.2 per cent in April and are now more than 10 per cent above pre-pandemic levels, according to data released this morning by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). City economists had forecast a 4.5 per cent month-on-month rise. The data is further evidence of a strong economic bounceback as Covid-19 restrictions were lifted and more shops were able to open their doors. Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician at the ONS, said: “Clothing sales soared by nearly three quarters as consumers took advantage of being able to visit physical stores. Perhaps unsurprisingly, overall online sales dipped, but still remain high.”SponsoredThe closely watched flash PMI data for May, released at 9.30am, will give further clues about

Source: The Times May 21, 2021 08:03 UTC