The late Easter break caused like-for-like retail sales to drop 1.7 per cent in March compared to last year, although analysts expect the Easter break to bring strong sales this month.

Analysts at the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said Easter gives a major boost to shop sales each year. The holiday fell in March last year, but in April this year.

On a three-month average, sales were up 2.1 per cent, boosted by sales of fashion items but pegged back by slower food and home purchases.

Meanwhile online trade growth showed no sign of abating, growing 12.8 per cent in March compared with 12 months earlier despite the Easter distortion.

Helen Dickinson, director general at the BRC, said: "These sales figures are stronger than might have been expected given the fact that Easter has fallen so late this year.

"Fashion has performed particularly well. Retailers have worked hard to create popular new collections, and have been rewarded with strong demand for women's clothing and footwear in particular.

“This improves on the slow start to the season last year when shoppers were more reluctant to spruce up their wardrobes.”