Conflicting surveys make it difficult to tell whether things are on the up

As spring finally arrived last week it seemed positive news was coming with it. There were signs of recovery. They were small and fragile, but they were there.

Numbers released by the CBI at the end of February reported clothing sales for the month rose at their fastest rate since October 2006. A report from Retail Week showed the continued good fortune of major retailer John Lewis who announced a 14.8% sales increase to 50.4 million last week. The increase included strong sales of fashion and online sales rising by 41%.

So what's the bad news? Well it seems that the statistics may, once again, be hiding a slightly different reality. According to a report from Drapers Online, shopping patterns for February have continued to be volatile and retailers they interviewed said February had been lacklustre with no real signs of the situation easing.

The overall message - it's always possible to put a spin on statistics depending on whether you are after a positive or negative message. The important thing is what is actually happening with your company. Are you strong and riding the wave of recovery like John Lewis or are things more difficult for you like so many of the smaller retailers still struggling to keep their heads above water?

Whichever it is maybe the answer is to look objectively at those who are doing well and learn from their successes and look at those who are going under and learn from their mistakes. Or, if all else fails, you can always try crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.