Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) estimates retail sales volumes rose by +0.4% last month, with sunny weather helping boost sales, following a +0.7% jump in February. 

With the Met Office reporting the UK had its third sunniest March on record, clothing and outdoor retailers saw some of the biggest gains. The ONS said clothing put on the strongest growth, with fashion store sales volumes up +3.7% last month and online apparel sales values also up +4.7%, as warmer and drier weather helped drive performance.

It said among other non-food retailers, which saw store sales volumes rise +2.4% in March and online values up +6.4%, the strongest performers were second-hand goods and outdoor & garden.

However, rises across fashion and outdoor were offset by food stores sales volumes, which dipped -1.3% last month, following a -2.2% fall in February, according to its Retail Sales Index.