Retail sales for April increased by 1.6%, as figures from the Office for National Statistics shows a positive step for UK high streets, after adverse weather conditions and economic difficulties caused a lack of footfall and consumer spending.

Month-on-month growth rates for the quantity bought in retail sectors show that the non-food sector was -1.9% in March but has managed to increase it to 2.3% in April.

Internet sales increased by 11.7% for the amount spent in April 2018 when compared with April 2017, with all sectors reporting growth on the year. Within non-food stores, department stores and household goods stores were the driving force behind the fall in online spending despite increases in both textile, clothing and footwear stores and other stores.

Commenting on today’s official retail figures, Head of National Accounts, Rob Kent-Smith said: "Retail sales bounced back in April, as petrol and other sales recovered from the snowfall. But the underlying position remains subdued with the volume of goods sold over the last six months broadly unchanged.

"Increases were seen across all sectors in April, except department stores. Department stores declined following relatively strong sales last month, when their online sales were boosted during the adverse weather.

"Over the longer-term, retail sales growth has slowed considerably, with increases in food, household goods and internet retailers being largely offset by declines across all other types of retailing."