LONDON, April 19 Reuters British retail sales stagnated in March despite high inflation easing recently, representing the first time that they have not grown in monthly terms since December, the Office for National Statistics said on Friday.

Economists polled by Reuters had mostly forecast sales volumes would increase by 0.3 on the month.

But the ONS said sales volumes showed no growth after rising by an upwardly revised 0.1 in February.

Rises in automotive fuel sales which were the highest since May 2022 and nonfood store sales were offset by falls in food stores and online and other nonstore retailers, the ONS said.

Sales volumes excluding fuel sales were down 0.3 on the month.

What is clear is that the first quarter of the year has been disappointing for many retailers, said Lisa Hooker, leader of industry for consumer markets at PwC. Lower inflation and the first 2 cut to National Insurance, which was felt in Januarys pay packets, has yet to translate into a sustained recovery in spending.

Finance minister Jeremy Hunt hoping to boost the chances of the ruling Conservative Party in an election expected this year introduced a second social security tax cut in April after the initial January cut.

There have been some encouraging signs recently from leading UK retailers.

Tesco, the country39;s biggest supermarket group, and clothing group Next both highlighted an improving consumer outlook and forecast profit growth for 2024. Home improvement retailer…