UK Total retail sales decreased by 4.0% year on year in April, against a growth of 5.1% in April 2023, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.
This was below the three-month average growth of 0.5% and the 12-month average growth of 2.2%. The poor figure was due in part by an early Easter pulling sales from April forward into March. When correcting for this distortion, the average growth for March and April together was +0.2%.
Food sales increased 4.4% year on year over the three months to April, against a growth of 9.8% in April 2023. This is below the 12-month average growth of 6.7%. For the month of April, Food was in decline year-on-year.
Non-Food sales decreased 2.8% year on year over the three-months to April, against a growth of 1.2% in April 2023. This is steeper than the 12-month average decline of 1.5%. Non-Food was in decline year-on-year for the month of April.
British Retail Consortium Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said: “Dismal weather and disappointing sales led to a depressing start to spring for retailers, even accounting for the change in timing of Easter.
“Many retailers are hoping for brighter sales over the summer months as social events ramp up, and consumer confidence could improve with a potential cut in interest rates.”
Adding that “a strong retail industry is vital for a strong economy,” Dickinson called on the next UK government to champion pro-growth policies to help unlock important in left-behind regions.
