The sunniest April on record supercharged retail sales as Britons splashed out on new clothes, food for Easter gatherings and DIY essentials.
The closely-watched British Retail Consortium-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor shows retail sales rose by 7 per cent year-on-year last month.
While the boost was also helped by this year’s late Easter, figures for March and April combined, to smooth out any distortion, show sales were 4.3 per cent higher than a year ago.
The sales boost far surpasses three-month average growth of 2.9 per cent and the 12-month average of 1.4 per cent.
Food sales led growth, up 8.2 per cent year-on-year, although this was again helped by Easter celebrations.
However, analysts urge caution as the retail sector continues to face rising labour costs, weak consumer environment and an uncertain economic outlook.
Time to eat: Food sales grew by 8.2% year-on-year in April, although this was again helped by Easter celebrations
Non-food sales were 6.1 per cent higher than a year ago, above the three-month average growth of 2.1 per cent, with sales of DIY, homeware and gardening goods surging as consumers 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.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson 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.
‘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 £7billion facing the industry this year.
‘Both employer national insurance contributions and the National Living Wage rose last month, and retailers face another £2billion bill when a new packaging tax comes in later this year.’
Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG, added: ‘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.’
Separate figures from Barclays showed consumer card spending increased by 4.5 per cent year-on-year in April – the biggest uplift since June 2023 and boosted by the warm weather and Easter.
The bank’s figures showed retail spending rose 6.8 per cent year-on-year.
Barclays’ monthly Consumer Spend Report found that 72 per cent of UK consumers remained concerned about the impact of tariffs on household finances, and 27 per cent were saving more each month to prepare for potential price increases.
Despite these concerns, confidence in household finances remained steady at 70 per cent, with 74 per cent reporting that they are living within their means.
Around 68 per cent of shoppers say they want to support businesses by buying more home-grown products, and 12 per cent said they were willing to pay a premium for them, the survey found.
Fruit and vegetables topped the list of British-made products shoppers plan to buy more of or switch to, followed by dairy, meat, seafood, clothing and accessories, and alcoholic drinks.
Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: ‘April’s sunny weather inspired consumers to embrace the best of Britain, with all retail, hospitality, and leisure subcategories in growth for the first time in over five years.
‘While the long-term impact of any tariffs on household finances remains to be seen, given Thursday’s announcement of a UK/US trade deal, shoppers are demonstrating a commitment to supporting British business, while still carefully managing their money.’
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