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Figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show that sales values fell in May, slipping from the strong Easter boost in April.

Monthly research by the group and professional services provider KMPG finds that like-for-like sales values fell by 0.8 per cent in May, when compared to the previous year.

Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC, says the presence of bank holidays and sunny weather in May failed to help the retail sector recover.

He also reveals that some food and drink, seasonal clothing and outdoor living product retailers performed well, but admits the majority of firms in the non-food sector had a difficult month.

Robertson adds: 'The turnaround in sales of big-ticket items such as furniture and large electricals, which would indicate real change in the mood of customers, still eludes us.'

Helen Dickinson, head of retail at KPMG, also points out May's figures look disappointing when compared to the good April results, saying better performance was expected due to easing inflation and lower fuel costs for consumers.

Richard Dodd, BRC head of media and campaigns, previously predicted that April's sales boost will not continue in the coming months and said retailers regard them as a 'blip'.