New retail sales figures for the period 6 April to 3 May have just been released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
The new data shows 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 of 2.9% and also above the 12-month average growth of 1.4%.
However, this year Easter was in April, while last year it was in March. Therefore, this distorts year-on-year sales comparisons, resulting in an artificially higher April, but lower March sales growth. In addition to April’s results, the BRC says it is reporting the combined figures for March and April to negate this distortion, presenting a clearer view of the underlying sales trend.
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.
Helen Dickinson (left), 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, the sunshine prompted strong consumer spending across the board.
“Food sales performed well as people brought together family and friends for Easter celebrations, but clouds loom 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, 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.”
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