British retail sales volumes remained flat last month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), marking the first time revenues have not risen in monthly terms since December.
Economists polled by Reuters had mostly forecast sales volumes would increase by 0.3% on the month after high inflation eased recently.
But the ONS said sales volumes were estimated to stay at 0.0% in March, following a 0.1% rise in February.
Non-food stores sales volume rose by 0.5%, with increased footfall reported by some retailers, which was offset by drops in food stores and non-store retailers of 0.7% and 1.5% respectively.
Additionally, rises were seen across secondhand goods stores, including antiques and auction houses, hardware and furniture stores, and clothing stores.
However, department stores, food stores and non-store retailing sales volumes fell over the month, with retailers suggesting increased prices were affecting shopper spending habits.
The amount spent online nudged up 0.1% over the month and by 1.7% over the year.
Both sales values and volumes saw no change for the period, said the ONS.
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ONS senior statistician Heather Bovill said: “Hardware stores, furniture shops, petrol stations and clothing stores all reported a rise in sales.
“However, these gains were offset by falling food sales and in department stores where retailers say higher prices hit trading. Looking at the longer-term picture, across the latest three months retail sales increased after a poor Christmas.”
Last month, the ONS found UK retail sales remained flat in February but were ahead of expectations.
Sales showed growth of 0.0% during the period, down from growth of 3.6% in January, putting it ahead of expectations for a 0.4% decline.
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