Retailers in Birmingham have reported a strong start to trading in 2010, with February sales figures standing at 4.5% above the same period last year, and at twice the national average.

The figures, released this weekend by Retail Birmingham, suggest a marked increase in consumer confidence compared to like for like figures gathered in February 2009.

Sales figures released by the British Retail Consortium this week show that UK retail sales grew by an average of 2.2% in February compared to 2009.

Alan Chatham, chairman of Retail Birmingham said: “After a strong Christmas, it’s hugely promising to see good sales figures sustained across the retail sector.

"Birmingham retailers in particular are benefitting from a marked increase compared to the start of 2009, and we look forward to seeing this trend continue as consumer confidence continues to build.”