Alcohol and tobacco drive a surprise rise in sales, though the longer term trend is still down.
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UK retail sales rose in April driven by strong food store sales, in particular alcohol and tobacco.
The surprise jump of 1.4% in sales volumes followed a fall of 1.2% in March and means that sales remain above their pre-Covid levels.
However, over the three months to the end of April sales overall edged down by 0.3%, official figures show.
Separately, a survey indicated that consumer confidence in May fell to its lowest level since 1974.
ONS deputy director for surveys and economic indicators Heather Bovill, said: “April’s rise was driven by an increase in supermarket sales, led by alcohol and tobacco and sweet treats, with off-licences also reporting a boost, possibly due to people staying in more to save money.”
However, she added the figures still showed a “continued longer term downward trend”.