Retail sales in central London in March were 5.1% higher than a year ago, on a like-for-like basis, stronger than the 1.2% decrease in the UK as whole.
Easter falling in April this year but in March last year, together with warm sunny weeks this March but snow and rain last March, make comparisons difficult.
Retail footfall in March held up well as the warmer sunny weather brought shoppers out. Shopper numbers were up on a year ago, in contrast to the small year-on-year decline in the UK as a whole.
The favourable exchange rate continued to attract overseas visitors, especially those from Western Europe. Some noted that visitor numbers were holding up but tourists were tending to spend less.
Warmer sunny weather helped clothing, footwear and outdoor leisure but homewares and furniture sales remained generally tough, especially for larger purchases. Fashion accessories and beauty products benefited from Mothering Sunday purchases falling in March 2009 but February 2008.