Late Easter sees retail sales rise 7% in April

UK total retail sales increased by 7% year-on-year in April, against a decline of 4% in April 2024, according to the latest BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor. This was above the three-month average growth of 2.9% and above the 12-month average growth of 1.4%. However, the retail sales monitor clarifies as this year’s Easter was in April, while last year it was in March, the calendar change distorts the year-on-year sales comparison - resulting in an artificially higher April, but lower March sales growth. To negate this distortion, it has combined March and April to present a clearer view of the underlying sales trend. For March and April together, compared with the same two months in 2024, UK Total retail sales increased by 4.3% year-on-year for the two-month period. In April, food sales increased by 8.2% YOY, against a decline of 1.6% in April 2024. This was above the three-month average growth of 3.9% and above the 12-month average growth of 2.9%. Non-Food sales also increased by 6.1% YOY in April, against a decline of 6% in April 2024, while In-Store Non-Food sales increased by 5.6% year on year in April, against a decline of 6.2% in April 2024. In addition, Online Non-Food sales increased by 7% year on year in April, against a decline of 5.5% in April 2024. This was above the three-month average growth of 3.4% and above the 12-month average growth of 1.8%. The online penetration rate - the proportion of Non-Food items bought online - decreased to 36.4% in April from 36.5% in April 2024. Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The sunniest April on record 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. 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. But 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 added: “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.”

Late Easter sees retail sales rise 7% in April

Non-Food sales also increased by 6.1% YOY in April, against a decline of 6% in April 2024, while In-Store Non-Food sales increased by 5.6% year on year in April, against a decline of 6.2% in April 2024

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