The latest figures for homeware sales have shown figures increased by numbers not seen for at least 12 months.
BDO Stoy Hayward figures have shown a 5.7% increase in homeware sales, which the firm has put down to better weather and more people carrying out DIY.

This is the first sales increase in the since BDO Stoy Hayward have recorded in the sector since June last year.

The figures also reveal a boost in demand for lighting, textiles and blinds with furniture sales were also up.

Head of Retail at BDO Stoy Hayward, Rupert Eastell, said: "Discounting, promotions and the good weather were clearly the tonic retailers needed to boost sales into positive territory during March.

"Another good month of sales during April will be essential to the future of UK retailers - particularly as Quarter Day will still be fresh in many people's minds.

"Retailers will be hoping that this sunny, dry weather continues well into the Easter period."

After a dismal February, where the snow hit many retailers, the overall figures for March were very positive.

Mr Eastell added: "Underlying demand was much higher than we expected, and sales appear to have been bolstered by the driest March weather for six years."

"It is clearly premature to classify these upbeat figures as a definite recovery trend; however, there are signs that demand is holding up and not contracting as sharply as we feared last month."