Retail sales pick up in January after consumers hold off on Christmas spending

In-store sales of items other than food were up 2% on the year, figures show (PA) - (PA Archive)

Retail sales finally picked up in January after consumers held off on Christmas spending in anticipation of the new year sales, figures show.

Total UK retail sales increased by 2.7% year on year in January, above the 12-month average growth of 2.3%, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG.