Retail recruiters are split over positive January sales figures.

The figures, compiled by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG, shows total sales increased by 3.2% for the month.

Kate McCarthy, managing director at McCarthy Recruitment, told Recruiter: “Certain retailers are doing well - food and value retailers. Some of the fashion retailers are struggling because it is a lifestyle choice. There are some positive stories out there.

“I get the impression that Christmas presents came later and people got money which they spent in the sales to get some bargains after Christmas.

“There is almost no middle ground. You are either trading very poorly or very well.”

Louise Wright, director at Oyster Retail Recruitment, says that clients are now feeling confident about the growth in the market.

“A lot of companies announced they were up on trading over Christmas. Everyone has got a bit more buying confidence back. Because of that people are looking to spend more money in the stores and retailers are feeling a bit more comfortable.

“Things seem to be moving in the right direction. We are gaining more vacancies and new clients. Everyone is getting more confident to get back to where we were 12 months ago.”

Peter Burgess, director at Retail HR, adds a more cautionary note. “The main driver is simple.  Sales were up because prices and therefore margins were well down.

“There has been unprecedented discounting in the marketplace which is good for consumers and for inflation but bad for retail profits and therefore recruitment.”