Retail sales have fallen at their sharpest rate in almost a year and a half, according to the CBI.
The employers group’s monthly distributive trades survey showed that a net balance of -18% of retailers had reported rising sales in the year to March, a fourth consecutive month of negative numbers.
The recreational goods and DIY and hardware sectors were hit hardest, delivering figures of -67% and -62%, respectively. Car dealers recorded their worst performance in almost a year, with a net balance of -16% of businesses reporting a rise in sales.
