Retail sales jumped 9.2% in April 2021 as all non-essential retail shops opened after months of having their doors closed due to Covid restrictions, according to official figures released on Friday (21 May).
The Office for National Statistics said clothing store sales did particularly well, soaring 69.4% as people rejoiced the return to the physical store. Automotive fuel retailers also reported strong growth of 10.6% as people were able to travel more. Food stores were the only sector to report a monthly decline of 0.9%. However, while the numbers are impressive, experts warn they should be taken with a pinch of salt. "It's important to remember most shops were closed in the comparative numbers," explained Jon Hudson, fund manager of Premier Miton UK Growth fund. Powering past pand...
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