CBI dashes hopes of retail’s spring recovery

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Employers' body the CBI said sales fell in May after a shock rise in April.

Its survey found that only 31% of retailers enjoyed better sales this month than in May last year but 48% reported a decline.

The balance of minus 17% was down sharply on the plus 3% delivered in April when sales were boosted by the Easter weekend — which fell in March last year — and the warm weather.

Andy Clarke, chief operating officer of Asda, said: "Things were tough again in May for retailers, proving April's better sales figure was a temporary blip. Trading conditions are expected to remain difficult in June.

"As for much of this year, supermarkets and shoe shops were the ones seeing decent growth. Sectors more dependent on people moving house — such as furniture and carpets and durable household goods — continued to see falling sales.

"The harsh reality is consumers need good reason to part with their hard-earned cash.

"Demonstrating you offer value for money as a retailer has never been more important, and marks out the true survivors."