The latest figures from the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor show stronger sales in March - mainly thanks to the weather.
While the retail figures across the board showed a like-for-like decline of 1.2%, the figures skewed by where Easter fell last year, the month brought good news for those in the DIY and garden sector.

"After the cold start to the month, warmer sunny weather particularly at weekends gave a welcome boost to outdoor DIY and gardening, especially against last March's snow and rain," said the report.

"Trade building and exterior maintenance were helped by the sun. Indoor decorating continued to benefit from people improving rather than moving home, as well as some unemployed having more time at home. Garden power tools and lawnmowers sold well."

However, consumers appear to be focusing on projects they need to do and keeping away from soft furnishings and 'bits and pieces' as, continued the report, "home accessories and house textiles remained well below year-earlier levels as consumers concentrated on essentials and practical products rather than discretionary and decorative extras."