January was a good month for consumer spending - and for the high street in particular.
According to Visa's Consumer Spending Index for the month, consumer spend rose 2.7% year on year in January, the highest growth rate since May 2014. And spending in the high street bounced back to an eight-month high.

Compiled by Markit, the Index reflects overall consumer spending, not just that on cards.

Visa Europe UK & Ireland managing director Kevin Jenkins said: "It's a feel-good start to the year for retailers and consumers, despite the global economic jitters. Spending rose most prominently on the high street, though it still looks to be prudent rather than excessive at this stage.

"While e-commerce spend continues to grow strongly as ever, this is a clear statement by the high street that it can still attract customers."

Leisure and hospitality continued to outperform as sectors, but clothing and footwear retailers were the real winners after a disappointing dip in December.