Retail sales in the UK saw a notable uplift in April 2025, supported by favourable weather and the timing of Easter. Total retail sales rose by 7% year-on-year, significantly outperforming both the three-month average of 2.9% and the 12-month average of 1.4%. To account for Easter's shift from March in 2024 to April in 2025, combined figures for both months showed a more balanced 4.3% growth.
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Food sales climbed by 8.2% compared to a 1.6% drop the previous year, while non-food sales increased by 6.1%. In-store non-food sales rose by 5.6%, and online non-food sales by 7%, reflecting broader consumer engagement across channels. However, the online penetration rate edged down slightly to 36.4%.
The British Retail Consortium noted that the sunniest April on record had boosted consumer spending across sectors, with "DIY, homeware and gardening goods" in particular demand. Clothing sales also saw improvement, driven by seasonal wardrobe updates.
Despite strong figures, industry leaders warned of growing pressure from rising operational costs. Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said the positive sales performance would "do little to make up for the extra £7bn facing the industry this year", pointing to recent increases in National Insurance and the National Living Wage, along with a forthcoming packaging tax.
Linda Ellett of KPMG linked sales strength to housing market activity and highlighted the importance of aligning retail strategy with holiday demand. Meanwhile, Sarah Bradbury of IGD flagged rising food inflation as a continuing concern, suggesting that gains in shopper confidence could remain limited.
Overall, April's figures paint a positive short-term picture, but broader economic pressures continue to cast uncertainty over the retail outlook.
More information:
British Retail Consortium
info@brc.org.uk
www.brc.org.uk