UK retail sales saw strong growth in March and April, helped by sunnier weather.
Total retail sales increased 7% year on year in April, up from 1.1% in March and compared to a month last year that saw a decline of 4%, according to data from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG, well above the 12-month average growth of 1.4%.
As the survey is distorted by the later Easter this year than in 2024, the BRC noted that sales across March and April together were up 4.3% compared with the same two months in 2024.
Like-for-like sales rose by 6.8% year-over-year in April, up from 0.9% in March and well above the consensus forecast of 2.3%.
Food sales increased 8.2% in April, compared to a three-month average growth of 3.9%, while non-food sales increased 6.1%, against a three-month average of 2.1%.
“The sunniest April on record brought with it a boost to retail sales," said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson, who acknowledged that the stronger performance was partially a result of Easter falling in April this year, while sunshine "prompted strong consumer spending across the board".
Food sales were boosted by Easter celebrations, while sales of DIY, homeware and gardening goods outperformed amidst the brighter weather.
"Clothing sales, where growth has been sluggish in recent months, also improved as consumers refreshed their wardrobes for the new season," she said.
She said that "clouds loom on the horizon" as UK businesses faced increased employer National Insurance Contributions and a higher minimum wage last month, with retailers also facing a new packaging tax later this year.
KPMG's UK head of consumer, retail & leisure, Linda Ellett, said: "Retail sales have been showing growth for five months now... 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."