Retail sales grew strongly in the year to April and are expected to grow at an even faster pace next month, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Distributive Trades Survey. The survey of 131 firms showed that sales growth in April improved from March, with sales now having increased year-on-year for the fifth consecutive month. Sales volumes are expected to rise again next month, with expectations for growth at their strongest since December 2010. Among the retail sectors, grocers, footwear & leather and hardware & DIY recorded particularly strong annual sales growth, all seeing a pick-up from March. Internet ... (full story)