The quantity of goods bought (volume) in retail sales is estimated to have risen by 1.6% in Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2026, compared with Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2025. Non-food stores’ sales volumes grew, with art selling well in January and February, alongside a strong quarter for cosmetic and toiletries stores, with new collections being launched. Beyond this, non-store retailers also had a strong Quarter 1. Retail sales volumes are estimated to have risen by 0.7% in March 2026, following a fall of 0.6% in February 2026 (revised down from a 0.4% fall in our previous bulletin) and a rise of 1.8% in January 2026 (revised ... (full story)