British retail sales rose slightly in February 2019, with strong growth in non-store retailing and fuel, according to data released Thursday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Figures showed that the quantity bought grew by 0.4 percent in February, compared with the previous month, with a decline of 1.2 percent in food stores.

In the three months to February, the purchase volume increased by 0.7 percent, compared with the previous three months, with strong growth in non-store retailing and fuel.

In February, purchase volume and online sales increased by 4.0 and 9.4 percent year-on-year, respectively.

"Retail sales continued to bounce back in the three months to February with increase in fuel sales and online shopping," said Rhian Murphy, head of retail sales for ONS.

British independent economist Julian Jessop tweeted "UK retail sales volumes rose 0.4% m/m in February, against expectations of 0.4% fall (after strong January)."

"Consumers continuing to spend, despite Brexit, helped by buoyant labour market and recovery in real incomes," Jessop said.