Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show a hike in sales values and volumes in  January 2012.  The value of retail sales in January 2012 showed an increase of 4.4% compared with January 2011 and sales volumes in January 2012 increased 2.0% compared with January 2011.

Sales volumes were driven primarily by non-store retailing, other stores and predominantly food stores. The year on year implied price deflator showed to show inflation of 2.2%.  The lowest since 1.0% in November 2009. 

In the predominantly food stores  category, sales volumes in January 2012 increased 0.9% compared to January 2011. Sales values increased 4.3% over the same period. Average price growth slowed over the period to 3.5% - the slowest annual growth since 3.3% in August 2010.