"Today's data reveals a dip in the UK retail landscape, with numbers dropping and an interesting skew in the data. With Easter falling in April compared to March last year, we should expect a natural decrease in today's numbers and a similar uptick in April, but that can't distract from what will be some disappointing figures for UK retailers.
"As the effects of minimum wage, NI increases and global uncertainties begin impacting retailers from next month, retailers were hoping for a more positive March. Increased consumer spending in the summer will be a thin silver lining for the challenges retailers will soon face on the operational side. As we head into the second quarter, retailers must consider cost-effective strategies and find avenues to further boost consumer confidence."