Retailers make hay while the sun shines
This year Easter was in April, while last year it was in March. This calendar change distorts the year-on-year sales comparisons – resulting in an artificially higher April, but lower March sales growth. In addition to April results, we also report the combined results for March and April to negate this distortion, presenting a clearer view of the underlying sales trend.
Covering the four weeks 06 April – 03 May 2025
- UK Total retail sales increased by 7% year on year in April, against a decline of 4% in April 2024. This was above the 3-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% year on 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 3-month average growth of 3.9% and above the 12-month average growth of 2.9%.
- Non-Food sales increased by 6.1% year on year in April, against a decline of 6% in April 2024. This was above the 3-month average growth of 2.1% and above the 12-month average growth of 0.1%.
- In-Store Non-Food sales increased by 5.6% year on year in April, against a decline of 6.2% in April 2024. This was above the 3-month average growth of 1.3% and above the 12-month average decline of 0.8%.
- 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 3-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. This was below the 12-month average of 36.8%.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive 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. 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.”
Linda Ellett, UK head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure, KPMG, said: “Retail sales have been showing growth for five months now. The pace of that growth picked up in April due to Easter and the drier weather boosting clothing and garden related sales, while the uptick in house buying ahead of the Stamp Duty changes likely filtered through to furniture and DIY related sales, as well as other homewares.
“Consumers tell us they are still taking steps to manage their household budgets, so retailers will need to focus on how they can continue to unlock spending over the coming months to keep the growth going – including capitalising on purchases related to strong summer holiday demand.”
Food & Drink sector performance | Sarah Bradbury, CEO, IGD, said: “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.”