London retail sales show increase

Date: 17th March 2009

Retail sales in London rose by almost six per cent during February, compared to the same month in 2009.

That's according to the latest statistics from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which found that business in the capital was 1.8 per cent stronger than the rest of the UK.

Specifically, the group pointed to sales of discounted clothing and footwear, much of which was likely from smaller retailers such as partnerships and sole traders.

A spokesperson for the BRC said: "Retail footfall in February was hit by snow in the first week but picked up later in the month to show a year-on-year increase, in contrast to the year-on-year decline in the UK as a whole."

The consortium also highlighted the euro's strength as a determinant in attracting overseas shoppers, particularly from western Europe.

A recent investigation by HSBC Commercial Banking found that 91 per cent of small businesses and retailers recognise the importance of maintaining good supplier relationships during the recession.