In April 2017, the quantity bought in the retail industry increased by 2.3% compared with March 2017 and by 4.0% compared with April 2016.

The underlying pattern, as measured by the 3 month on 3 month estimate, showed a slight increase in April 2017 following a short period of contraction, increasing by 0.3%.

Anecdotal evidence from retailers suggests that good weather contributed to growth.

Average prices slowed slightly in April 2017, falling from 3.3% in March to 3.1% in April.