Retail sales in the UK experienced a notable increase in April 2025, with volumes rising by 1.2% compared to the previous month, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This marks the fourth consecutive month of growth and the strongest quarterly performance since July 2021.
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Food and drink lead sales surge amid warm weather
The surge in retail sales was largely attributed to the sunniest April on record, which coincided with the Easter holiday. Food store sales volumes increased by 3.9%, rebounding from declines in February and March.
Retailers noted heightened demand for items associated with outdoor gatherings, such as barbecues and picnics.
Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British Retail Consortium, commented on the figures, stating that the combination of Easter and unseasonably warm weather contributed to the highest retail sales growth since August 2023.
He highlighted that consumer spending was up across various categories, with food and drink performing particularly well as people hosted gatherings and outdoor events.
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By GlobalDataClothing and footwear sales benefit from seasonal shift
The warmer weather also influenced consumer behaviour in the apparel sector. Sales of clothing and footwear saw an uptick as shoppers updated their wardrobes in response to the early onset of summer-like conditions.
This seasonal shift prompted increased spending on summer attire, contributing to the overall rise in retail sales.
Despite the positive trends in certain sectors, the ONS reported a 0.7% decline in non-food store sales volumes for April, indicating a mixed performance across different retail categories.
Rising operational costs pose challenges for retailers
While the retail sector experienced growth in April, industry representatives have expressed concerns about increasing operational costs.
The British Retail Consortium highlighted that April brought an additional £5 billion in costs to retailers due to increases in Employer National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage.
These costs are expected to rise to £7 billion with the introduction of a new packaging tax later this year.
Furthermore, proposed changes to business rates could result in higher expenses for approximately 4,000 shops, potentially impacting local employment and business sustainability.
The consortium has urged the government to ensure that no shop faces increased costs under the forthcoming reforms.
As the retail sector navigates these financial pressures, the recent boost in sales provides a temporary uplift. However, the long-term outlook remains cautious amid rising costs and economic uncertainties.
