Source: Sharecast
Total retail sales rose at a year-on-year rate of 7% in April, following a 1.1% increase in March, according to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor released on Tuesday.
The Easter holidays, which typically result in increased spending by consumers, fell in March in 2024 but April in 2025. However, combining both months together, compared with the same two-month period the year before, sales were still up 4.3%.
Food sales rose strongly in April, up 8.2% year-on-year, which the BRC put down to Easter celebrations. Meanwhile non-food sales increased 6.1%, with sales of DIY and furniture picking up, which could have been due to an uptick in house buying ahead of Stamp Duty changes.
"While the stronger performance was partially a result of Easter falling in April this year, the sunshine prompted strong consumer spending across the board," said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson.
"Clothing sales, where growth has been sluggish in recent months, also improved as consumers refreshed their wardrobes for the new season," Dickinson added.
However, the BRC warned of clouds on the horizon as incoming cost increases – namely employer contributions to national insurance and a higher National Living Wage – "begin to bite".
Dickinson said: "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."