Retail sales in Britain fell more than expected during April

Retail sales in Britain fell on an annual and monthly basis last April, more than analysts expected.

According to data released today, Friday, May 24, by the National Statistics Authority, retail sales in the United Kingdom fell by about 2.7% on an annual basis, compared to expectations for a decline of 0.3%.

On a monthly basis, sales declined by 2.3%, which is also a higher pace than estimates of a decline of 0.5%. But retail sales rose 0.7% in the three-month period ending in April.

In terms of retail sectors, non-food store sales declined by about 4.1% in April, due to the decline in sales of clothing, sports equipment and furniture stores.