UK total retail sales increased by +7% YoY in April, against a decline of -4% in April 2024, report BRC-KPMG in their latest Retail Sales Monitor.
For March and April together, compared with the same two months in 2024 (to mitigate the YoY timing of Easter) UK total retail sales increased by +4.3% YoY for the two-month period.
Non-food sales increased by +6.1% YoY, against a decline of -6% in April 2024.
In-store non-food sales increased by +5.6% in April (against a decline of -6.2% in April 2024), while online non-food sales increased by +7% (against a decline of -5.5% in April 2024). The online penetration rate of non-food items decreased to 36.4% in April from 36.5% in April 2024.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), says: “The sunniest April on record brought with it a boost to retail sales. While the stronger performance was partially a result of Easter falling in April this year, the sunshine prompted strong consumer spending across the board.
"Food sales performed well as people brought together their family and friends for Easter celebrations, while sales of DIY, homeware and gardening goods shone bright as people made the most of the weather. Clothing sales, where growth has been sluggish in recent months, also improved as consumers refreshed their wardrobes for the new season.
“But clouds loom on the horizon as new costs begin to bite. Even a strong April performance will do little to make up for the extra £7b facing the industry this year. Both Employer National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage rose last month, and retailers face another £2b bill when a new packaging tax comes in later this year. If the Government wants to secure the future of our high streets, then it must ensure that no shop pays more as a result of the upcoming business rates reforms, or it will be our local communities that pay the price.”
Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure, KPMG, adds: “Retail sales have been showing growth for five months now. The pace of that growth picked up in April due to Easter and the drier weather boosting clothing and garden related sales, while the uptick in house buying ahead of the Stamp Duty changes likely filtered through to furniture and DIY related sales, as well as other homewares.
"Consumers tell us they are still taking steps to manage their household budgets, so retailers will need to focus on how they can continue to unlock spending over the coming months to keep the growth going – including capitalising on purchases related to strong summer holiday demand."
