The Office for National Statistics in the United Kingdom has released information showing that April experienced a strong rebound in retail sales compared to previous months and sales last April.

According to the ONS Sales Index, retail sales volume in April were up 2.8% overall compared with last April, with sales values up by 6.2%.

Sales volume in the category of ‘other’ stores was up 4.3% while this category also increased sales values for the month by 4.7%.

Sales in the ‘non-specialised’ store category also rose in terms of volume by 4.4%, while ‘household goods’ experienced a 3.5% decline in sales and a 2.7% fall in value terms.

While most sectors showed improvements in April, economists are warning that the broader economic picture shows that consumer demand remains unchanged.

High inflation, a weak labour market, and high household debt are also concerns in consumer demand outlooks.

Ms. Nida Ali, the economic advisor to the Ernst & Young Item Club warned, “Cautious consumers will be reluctant to loosen their purse strings. Indeed, UK retailers will have to be more resourceful than ever to secure a share of their wallets".

Most economists suggest that strong April retail numbers were artificially high because of the warmest April on record and the two Bank Holiday weekends.