UK retail sales decline slightly in April

UK high street sales were slightly down in the year to April, but were in line with expectations for the time of year, the CBI said Thursday.

Its latest monthly Distributive Trades Survey, covering the first two weeks in April, showed that 33 percent of retailers saw an increase in sales volumes on a year ago, while 39 percent reported a fall.

The resulting balance of -6 percent marked a slight fall in sales, following little change in the previous two months.

The CBI said this was in line with expectations.

Sales volumes are expected to rise next month, with the expectations balance at its highest since February 2011.

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