UK retail sales rise 0.4% in March
According to the latest ONS figures, clothing and outdoor sales were boosted by good weather although supermarket sales fell partly
UK retail sales volumes increased by 0.4% in March 2025, following a rise of 0.7% in February 2025, the ONS revealed.
According to the latest figures, clothing and outdoor sales were boosted by good weather although supermarket sales fell partly.
However, during the month volumes were down by 0.3%, compared with their pre-coronavirus pandemic level in February 2020.
Sales at non-food stores rose by 1.7% over the month – this put monthly sales volumes at their highest level since March 2022.
Within non-food stores, clothing stores were the subsector with the strongest growth. Other non-food stores also rose in March 2025, which was strongest within second-hand goods stores (including antiques and auction houses) and stores selling garden supplies.
Non-store retailing sales volumes were also up on the month, with similar commentary received about the weather, specifically mentioning boosts to clothing and DIY goods.These rises were partly offset by food stores sales volumes which fell by 1.3% on the month, following a 2.2% fall in February 2025. Supermarkets had the largest downward contribution.
Looking at the quarter, sales volumes rose by 1.6% in Q1 (January to March) 2025, compared with Q4 (October to December) 2024, and by 1.7% when compared with Q1 2024.
Commenting on the figures, Oliver Vernon-Harcourt, head of retail at Deloitte, said: “Yet another unexpected rise in retail sales may indicate a turning point for retailers. This marks a third consecutive month of sales growth for the first time since the summer of 2021. The retail sector is proving resilient, even with increasing costs for both businesses and consumers. The arrival of spring sunshine seems to be behind the uplift in sales, as wardrobes were updated and socialising outside the home encouraged spending both in store and online.
“While some consumers continue to be tactical in the way they spend, with more than half saying they cut down on luxuries and treats in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous three months, it is clear that there is appetite to start loosening the purse strings. With Easter to come in April’s figures, and hopefully further sunshine to encourage footfall onto the high street, we may see continued growth in the second quarter.”
