Unlike these shoppers, many have stayed at home because of the rain

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Dismal weather dampened retail spending in April.

UK shops reported sales values were down 3.3% on the same month a year ago.

Food sales fell back, while record April rainfall and chilly temperatures hit clothing and footwear sales.

Though it helped some smaller homewares, big-ticket purchases continued to struggle and were often promotion-led, amid continued consumer caution.

Online (including mail-order and phone) sales of non-food items showed slower growth, though against a relatively strong April 2011.

Sales were 9% up on a year ago, the weakest since November 2011.

Stephen Robertson, director general of the British Retail Consortium, said the figures were disappointing.

"The wettest April since records began has put a dampener on retailers’ fortunes. Consumer interest in summer fashions and outdoor products was washed away by constant downpours.

"Sales held up better for food retailers, but customers reverted to winter eating habits, with joints of meat and soups back on shopping lists."

Last year, spending was boosted by the royal wedding and an extra day off for people to shop or celebrate.

Retailers are hoping the the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the European football tournament and the Olympic Games - plus sunnier weather - will send people back to the shops.

"Retailers are keeping everything crossed that a 2012 feel-good factor from this summer’s events kicks in soon," Mr Robertson added.