Unexpectedly strong retail sales in February boost hopes that Britain is out of recession

Unexpectedly strong retail sales in February have boosted hopes that Britain is out of recession.

Shoppers bought the same amount of goods last month as in January, according to official figures, defying doom and gloom predictions of a 0.4 per cent fall.

Meanwhile, the already strong sales figure for January was increased to 3.6 per cent, from 3.4 per cent. This is the highest figure since the reopening after lockdown in April 2021.

Boost: Shoppers bought the same amount of goods last month as in January, according to official figures

The stats are a sign that there are brighter days are ahead for the economy as the weather gets warmer. 

Shoppers splashed out in a rebound for clothing with fashion sales jumping 1.7 per cent in the biggest increase since December 2022.