The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has reported a 7% increase in total retail sales in April after the “sunniest April on record”.
UK total retail sales increased by 7% year on year in April, against a decline of 4% in April 2024. This was above the three-month average growth of 2.9% and above the 12-month average growth of 1.4%.
For March and April together, compared with the same two months in 2024 (to mitigate the year-on-year timing of Easter), UK total retail sales increased by 4.3% on the year for the two-month period.
Food sales increased by 8.2% year-on-year in April, against a decline of 1.6% in April 2024. This was above the three-month average growth of 2.1% and above the 12-month average growth of 0.1%.
“Even a strong April performance will do little to make up for the extra £7 billion facing the industry this year.”
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, 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… 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 £7 billion facing the industry this year.
“Both Employer National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage rose last month, and retailers face another £2 billion 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.”
Sarah Bradbury, CEO of the Institute of Grocery Distribution, looked at the performance of the food sector: “April saw a welcome boost for the market and shoppers, thanks to sporadic spells of warmer weather, interest rate cuts and the long Easter weekend, which lifted overall confidence by a point. However, the persistent challenge of food price inflation, which climbed to 2.6% in April from 2.4% in March, continues to weigh heavily on both businesses and households. As they grapple with rising costs, we foresee limited further gains in shopper confidence.”
