The New West End Co, which represents retailers in London's Oxford Street and around, said many stores reported better sales than expected on Good Friday, with trading on Easter Monday -- a holiday in the UK -- "steady."

"This year's Easter trend seems to be decorating the home for the Bank Holiday: Spring bunting, the speckled egg wreath and knitted hanging eggs are all predicted to be best-sellers," said Julie Blake, a spokeswoman for John Lewis Oxford Street.

Retailers in the UK have benefited from a weak pound and a rise in disposable incomes after cuts in mortgage rates.

However, many remain cautious in a year when an election, expected to be held on May 6, is likely to be followed by higher taxes and other steps to cut government debt.