Hit by chilly weather and fewer discounts, UK fashion sales recorded their biggest decline in six months during March. According to an advisory firm BDO, sales of clothing fell 5.5 per cent in the month. Its monthly high street tracker measures the performance of 85 mid-sized chains such as Gap, French Connection and Hobbs. BDO said shoppers were staying away from the high street because there were less discounts around to tempt them. “Some consumers may have been delaying purchases until the extended bank holiday weekend this week when they will have more disposable time,” BDO said. Even online sales growth was affected.
