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UK total retail sales decreased by 4% YOY in April, against a growth of 5.1% in April 2023, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.
This was below the 3-month average growth of 0.5% and the 12-month average growth of 2.2%. However, when correcting for the distortion created by the earlier timing of Easter, the average growth for March and April together was +0.2%.
Food sales increased 4.4% year on year over the three months to April, against a growth of 9.8% in April 2023. This is below the 12-month average growth of 6.7%. For the month of April, Food was in decline year-on-year.
Non-food sales decreased 2.8% year on year over the three-months to April, against a growth of 1.2% in April 2023. This is steeper than the 12-month average decline of 1.5%. For the month of April, non-food was in decline year-on-year.
Meanwhile, in-store non-food sales over the three months to April decreased 2.4% year on year, against a growth of 3.9% in April 2023 and online non-food sales decreased by 5.5% year on year.
Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Dismal weather and disappointing sales led to a depressing start to Spring for retailers, even accounting for the change in timing of Easter. People delayed typical Spring purchases despite retailers’ attempts to entice customers with heavy discounts.
“A dull, wet April dampened sales growth for clothing and footwear, especially outdoor sportswear, as well as DIY and garden furniture. Promotions in computing did boost sales as many sought to upgrade their tech a few years post the pandemic surge in tech sales. Many retailers are hoping for brighter sales over the summer months as social events ramp up, and consumer confidence could improve with a potential cut in interest rates.”
She added: “A strong retail industry is vital for a strong economy, and it is vital the next Government recognises this if it wants to boost investment in our towns and cities. Retail is nearly 10% of employment in every region and plays a unique role in building communities and generating local economic growth. The Government must champion pro-growth policies to help unlock important investment in many left-behind regions.”
