UK retail sales fell 0.3 percent in February compared to a month earlier. This was announced by the British National Statistical Office. Economists had generally expected an increase of 0.2 percent.

In January, retail sales increased 1.1 percent upwardly.

Data was collected before the corona crisis really hit the UK. Retail sales are likely to rise in March, as the British are hoarding en masse from the crisis. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has since imposed restrictions on freedom of movement to combat the outbreak.