First time revenues have not risen since December

  • UK retail sales remained flat in March
  • First time revenues have not risen since December
  • Sales volumes estimated to stay at 0.0% in March
  • Non-food stores sales volume rose by 0.5%
  • Department stores, food stores, and non-store retailing sales volumes fell
  • Amount spent online increased by 0.1% over the month
  • Sales values and volumes saw no change for the period

British retail sales volumes remained flat last month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), marking the first time revenues have not risen in monthly terms since December. Economists had forecasted an increase in sales volumes, but the ONS reported that sales volumes stayed at 0.0% in March. Non-food stores saw a rise in sales volume, while department stores, food stores, and non-store retailing experienced a decline. Online spending increased slightly over the month. Overall, sales values and volumes remained unchanged for the period.

Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides a detailed and factual report on the recent British retail sales volumes, including data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and economists’ forecasts. It presents information on various sectors within the retail industry, such as non-food stores, food stores, online sales, and specific trends like increased footfall and shopper spending habits. The article quotes ONS senior statistician Heather Bovill and includes comparisons with previous months’ sales data. Overall, the article is informative, well-researched, and free from bias or sensationalism.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides detailed information on British retail sales volumes, including specific sectors that saw rises and falls. It includes data from the Office for National Statistics and quotes from ONS senior statistician Heather Bovill. The article stays on topic and supports its claims with evidence and data. However, it includes some repetitive information and a slightly irrelevant mention of Superdry co-founder and chief executive Julian Dunkerton’s ultimatum at the end.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article provides information on retail sales volumes in the UK, which can impact the performance of retail companies and potentially affect the overall economy.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article does not describe any extreme events or their impact.

Reported publicly: www.retailgazette.co.uk