Unusually warm weather encouraged more British shoppers to leave the house and spend money, according to a new report from the British Retail Consortium's monthly health check.

Overall sales activity was up 3.6 percent in March compared to the same time last year, with U.K. men driving the majority of the spending influx. Stores selling footwear, clothes and outdoor leisurewear noted the biggest year-over-year increase, The Guardian adds.

"The unusually warm weather in March brought some welcome sunshine into the lives of non-food retailers," Stephen Robertson, the BRC's director general, explained. "The early signs of summer got people buying clothes and shoes for the new season. Gardening items and outdoor leisure also saw a lift."

However, the report also pointed out that the increase in floor space over the past year suggests retail sales should be even higher. It's paramount that retailers not look too far into the results of a single month and continue to plan accordingly.

Similar weather conditions in the United States sparked retail sales as well. Likewise, men also appear to be shopping for clothes more frequently.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 at 10:02 am .