The volume of retail sales in the UK dropped sharply in March of this year, falling by 18% in annual terms, a survey of 105 British firms, conducted by the Confederation of British Industry, showed. The March drop in the indicator was the most significant in 17 months and did not coincide with the forecasts of experts who had expected sales growth. Orders from retail suppliers fell 13% after a February increase of 7%. Internet sales grew by 21% in March, which was the lowest increase for the year. Wholesale sales fell 13% year-on-year at the slowest pace in 9 months. The sales of autotraders fell by 16%, noting the fastest rate of decline in 11 months.
