Shoppers struggling under the pressure of the cost of living turned to discount and second-hand stores last month, giving retail sales a surprise boost.
Sales volumes rose 1.2% in February, official figures showed, the biggest monthly gain since October last year.
Grocery sales were also up, but the Office for National Statistics said there were signs price pressures had slashed spending at restaurants and take-out meals.
Figures from earlier this week showed prices rising faster than expected.
Sales growth in February was stronger than forecast, following an upwardly revised 0.9% increase in January.
The ONS said the surge means sales volumes are now back to pre-pandemic levels.
“However, the overall picture remains more subdued as retail sales show little real growth, particularly over the past 18 months as price increases weigh on consumer spending power,” said Darren Morgan, director of economic statistics at ONS.
According to the ONS, non-food sales rose 2.4% last month, boosted by discount department stores and clothing stores. Second-hand shops such as auction houses and charity shops have also “grown a lot”.
“When you look at the latest retail sales figures, you might wonder if the UK really is in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,” said Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell.
“But open the hood and the reality is revealed. Consumers seem to be favoring supermarkets over takeaways and grabbing bargains wherever they can,” she added.
“People hunt for bargains, whether they’re found on the well-stocked shelves of department stores, or in charity shops or other second-hand shops.”
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