March retail sales boosted by Sunny weather

Retail sales across the UK rose by 0.4% in March, marking the third consecutive month of growth, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The uplift was driven by strong demand in non-food stores, with clothing, garden centres, and second-hand goods retailers all reporting increased footfall and spending.

Retailers credited the boost to warmer, drier weather, which the Met Office said made March 2025 the UK’s third sunniest on record.

The ONS said this positive trend has extended into the first quarter of 2025, with retail sales rising by 1.6% compared to the previous quarter, marking the strongest quarterly growth in four years.

For the year, retail volumes were up 1.7%, driven primarily by demand for non-food items such as clothing, household goods, and garden supplies.

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Clothing retailers, in particular, benefitted from the unseasonably warm weather, with many seeing a surge in sales as consumers updated their wardrobes. Garden supply stores and second-hand goods retailers also saw increases in foot traffic, with many pointing to the good weather as a catalyst for outdoor and home-focused spending.

However, while the sector saw growth in March, the overall picture was mixed. Food store sales volumes fell by 1.3%, continuing a downward trend from February. Supermarkets were the main drag on food sales, with high inflation and rising food prices keeping many consumers on a tighter budget.

Online retail also performed well, with sales values up 2.0% month-on-month. The proportion of total retail sales made online increased from 26.4% in February to 26.8% in March, as more consumers turned to digital platforms for a range of goods, from clothing to home improvement supplies.

Accenture MD retail strategy and consulting Matt Jeffers said: “Despite clearer skies and sunnier days, retail sales in March didn’t quite shine, with only a 0.4% rise against a high comparative base set by last year’s early Easter. While warmer weather encouraged spending on gardening supplies and Mother’s Day gifting lifted categories like beauty and DIY, those gains were partly offset by sharp drops in footfall across high streets and food store sales.

The picture wasn’t all grey; strong performance in gifting and seasonal categories, like beauty, jewellery and clothing, showed shoppers are still willing to spend when the timing and value feel right.

With margin pressures from rising labour costs, National Insurance Contribution changes, and new packaging rules mounting, retailers must stay laser focused. With consumer confidence remaining low, success will also depend on investing in seamless, friction-free customer experiences and ensuring offers remain simple, clear and compelling, removing barriers at every stage of the shopper journey.”

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