Retailers still confident as growth slows

Retail sales growth slowed in May as shoppers took a breather after the Easter holidays and department stores’ volumes declined.

Despite sales growth slowing after the Easter holidays, retailers remain confident. Picture: Toby Williams

The CBI’s latest distributive trades survey shows that firms remain optimistic and expect their business situation to improve over the coming quarter.

Barry Williams, chair of the CBI distributive trades survey panel, said: “Retailers’ predictions of further sales growth bore fruit this month. Although that growth was at a slower rate than expected, the fact we’ve seen a steady increase for six consecutive months is a sign we’re heading towards sustainable growth – and it’s good to hear shopkeepers expect even stronger figures next month.”