Food & Books profit

Living costs up by 6%

ADZs ‘unclear’, say Lords

Demand drops in the south

Flexible Working Preferred

Insolvencies rise in 08

59% rent cut for retailer

New home range launched

7% of NI pubs have closed

No proof for quango, say BRC

Hauliers Protest in Park Lane

Today’s Distributive Trades Survey (DTS) reveals that Grocers and booksellers enjoyed a strong March, while homewares fell for the fifth month in a row.

“The picture now is of subdued activity as consumers tighten their belts amid general cooling across the whole economy,” said Ian McCafferty, Chief Economic Adviser of the CBI.

On the rise in grocery sales, McCafferty explained that consumers “are preferring to treat themselves at home instead of eating out.”

The report also reveals that retailers are holding less stock than 12 months ago, as they expect a reduced demand for items across the board in the coming months.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) collected sales figures from 20,000 retail outlets across the country.