Spring weather 'encouraged rise in consumer spending'

Date: 7th May 2009

The onset of spring and seasonable weather has boosted small retailers by encouraging an increase in consumer spending.

That is according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which has highlighted a number of sectors for their particularly good performance despite the economic climate.

Richard Dodd, head of media and campaigns at the BRC, said: "The onset of spring has given a boost particularly to clothing and footwear retailers who have seen their first year-on-year growth in a long time.

"It has also helped DIY and gardening retailers in terms of the weather and customers' willingness to buy."

He added that this sector had seen a "better start to the season than last year".

Retailers which are looking to increase their cashflow will often find that the support of accountancy services is invaluable.

In April, the Nationwide Consumer Confidence Index showed a rise of eight points to 50 - the biggest single monthly increase in about two years.