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UK Retail Sales Surge 7% in April, Driven by Record Sunshine and Late Easter

The sunniest April on record and Easter timing boosted spending across food, non-food, and garden sectors, though rising operational costs loom for retailers.

People shop on Oxford Street in London, Britain April 10, 2023. REUTERS/Anna Gordon
The Uk’s sunniest April on record helped to boost retail sales
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Overview

  • Retail sales in April 2025 increased by 7.0% year-on-year, the largest growth since the pandemic, with combined March-April sales up 4.3%.
  • Food sales rose 8.2% and non-food sales climbed 6.1%, with DIY, gardening, and clothing seeing significant gains due to the warm weather.
  • Consumer card spending grew by 4.5%, the biggest annual rise since June 2023, as shoppers embraced the Easter holiday and sunny conditions.
  • Spending at garden centres surged 25%, reflecting strong consumer interest in preparing for summer during the record-breaking sunny month.
  • Retailers face mounting cost pressures, including higher wages, increased insurance contributions, and upcoming packaging tax obligations.