April retail sales boosted by spring sunshine and late Easter

UK retail sales soared in April, boosted by the spring sunshine and Easter falling later in the year.

Total UK retail sales rose 7% year on year in April, covering the four weeks from 6 April to 3 May, compared to a decline of 4% the same time last year, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported.

However, the trade association noted that Easter falling in April rather than March led to an artificially higher April and lower March sales growth.

To negate the distortion, total UK retail revenues for March and April combined were up 4.3% from the same period last year.

Food sales increased 8.2% in April, from a drop of 1.6% in April 2024, while non-food revenues jumped 6.1%, compared to a decline of 6% during the same month last year.

In-store non food sales grew 5.6% for the month, from a decline of 6.2% the year before, while online non-food revenues climbed 7%, compared to a fall of 5.5% in April 2024.

BRC CEO Helen Dickinson said the “sunniest April on record” had 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,” she said.

“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.”

However, she noted that “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 £7bn facing the industry this year,” she said.

“Both Employer National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage rose last month, and retailers face another £2bn 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.”

Last week, the BRC reported that footfall had also been boosted by the spring sunshine and Easter falling later this year.

Total UK footfall rose 7.2% during the four weeks from 6 April to 3 May, up from -5.4% the month prior.

Last month, data also showed food inflation rose in April, as the sector faced an increase in labour costs.

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