MNI DATA IMPACT: UK Retail Sales Slow In March - CBI

     LONDON (MNI) - UK retail sales fell sharply in March, the latest

Confederation of British Industry Distributive Trade survey showed, dropping to

a net balance of -18 from 0 in February

     Here are 5 points of note:

     - Retail Sales Volumes contracted at 18%, the fastest contraction in 17

months.

     - Consumers not comfortable with loosening their purse strings amid Brexit

uncertainty. Retailers expect sales volume to pick-up next month with Easter

shopping later in month

     - 28% of respondents reported that sales volumes were up on a year ago in

March, while 46% said they were down.

     - Orders placed on suppliers fell to -13% from +7% in February, expected to

return to modest growth in April (+6%).

     - Internet sales also slowed in March to the lowest rate in 12 months, 21%

y/y.

--MNI London Bureau; tel: +44 203-586-2225; email: les.commons@marketnews.com

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