UK retail sales volumes increased by 1.2 per cent in February, representing a bounce-back to pre-pandemic levels, new research has found.

The study by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that February’s sales rise was the largest by month since October 2022, outperforming sales in the same month of the previous year, which fell by 3.5 per cent.

While sales have recently been constrained by the cost-of-living crisis, the ONS observed a 1.7 per cent rise to non-food sales, largely driven by consumers turning to second-hand goods sellers, including charity shops and auction houses.

Total non-food store sales volumes recorded a 2.4 per cent rise over the month, following a one per cent rise in January. Despite the rise, sales volumes fell 1.7 per cent compared to February 2022.

Department store sales volumes saw a 5.5 per cent rise over the month, while clothing store sales rose by 2.9 per cent.

Kelly Miely, retail partner at Deloitte said the higher-than-expected retail sales volume growth may be a sign the retail industry is “turning a corner”.

“However, the unexpected increase in inflation, with food prices at a 45-year high, still points to a strain on both consumers and retailers remaining,” she said.

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