Footfall in the capital increases 14 per cent
Like-for-like sales in central London were up 11.7 per cent in April, according to the latest figures from the London Retail Consortium.

Sales in the capital have outperformed the rest of the country for six consecutive months. Footfall for the month was up 14 per cent compared with April last year, and both foreign and UK visitor numbers increased.

However, the figures compare with last year when Easter fell in March.

The three-month trend rate of growth rose to 8.2 per cent in April, from 7.1 per cent in March.

Beauty and accessories sold particularly well and the better weather helped sales of clothing and footwear. Home and leisure was still largely driven by discounts and promotions, and big-ticket items outperformed smaller discretionary items.

BRC director-general Kevin Hawkins, said: 'This is a good result, reflecting as it does a combination of good weather, strong price-led offers and a big increase in customer footfall. But it's been a long time coming and retailers will need all the help they can get.'

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