Central London outperforms rest of country
Central London retail sales have outperformed the rest of the country for the seventh consecutive month, according to the London Retail Consortium (LRC).

Like-for-like sales jumped 14 per cent in May, compared with a 0.5 per cent fall in the same month last year. The three-month growth rate rose to 10.1 per cent from 8.2 per cent in April.

Shoppers were tempted into the capital by the warmer weather and special sales events at several larger stores. Flat-screen television sales were up substantially ahead of the World Cup and clothing, footwear and accessories also sold well. However, sales of other big-ticket items and non-essential homewares were often discount-driven.

LRC director-general Kevin Hawkins said: 'These are very encouraging results - helped by a stronger recovery in tourism, anticipation of the World Cup and regular, widespread discounting. It is particularly reassuring that customer footfall continued to increase, compared with a year ago.'

However, KPMG head of retail Helen Dickinson said: 'While the central London figures at face value look positive, they must be considered in the context of two things. Firstly, the low base from which they derive and secondly, the margin cost which has been given away to achieve them.'

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