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Total retail sales in the UK were up 5.1% in March according to data from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG.
This is above the three-month average growth of 4.8% and the 12-month average growth of 2.6% for the five weeks between 26 February and 1 April.
Like-for-like retail sales increased 4.9% in March, compared with a decline of 0.4% in March last year.
This was just above the 3-month rolling average of 4.6% and well clear of the 12-month average of 2.1%.
Non-food sales increased 1.8% on a total basis and 1.4% on a like-for-like basis over the three-months to March, above the 12-month total average decline of 0.1%.
Instore non-food sales increased 5.2% on a total basis and 4.6% on a like-for-like basis.
However, online non-food sales decreased by 2.1% in March, compared with a decline of 29.0% in March 2022.
Helen Dickinson OBE, CEO of the BRC, said: “While the wettest March in over forty years dampened sales growth for fashion, gardening and DIY products, Mother’s Day brightened up sales for the month. Stores were given an extra boost, as last-minute shoppers dashed to their local high streets and shopping centres to purchase jewellery, fragrances and flowers.
“With consumer confidence edging up and big events on the horizon such as the King’s Coronation, retailers have reason for a spring in their step. However, extensive cost pressures on business remain, and Government must ensure it minimises incoming regulatory burdens. Unless these future costs are brought to a heel, we will likely see high inflation continue for UK consumers who already face rising household bills from this month.”
Paul Martin, UK head of retail at KPMG, added: “Many retailers hoping for a Mother’s Day boost will have been disappointed with overall sales growth of just 5% in March, against a backdrop of rising inflation running at more than 10%.
“High street retailers saw some limited growth across most categories in March, but as consumers cut back on eating out, spending on home comforts, accessories and furniture saw the biggest growth with people looking to entertain at home instead. Online retailers also benefited from the boost in sales of home items, but saw continued decline in sales across most other categories, particularly clothing.”
