The latest report on retail from the British Retail Consortium shows that total retail sales in the UK for April decreased by 4% year on year.
This year, the run-up to Easter was in March, while last year the run-up was in April. This calendar change distorts the year on year sales comparisons – with results artificially higher in March and lower in April. However, even taking this into account, retail didn’t have a great April.
In-store non-food sales over the three months to April decreased 2.4% year on year, against a growth of 3.9% in April 2023. This is below the 12-month average decline of 0.7%.
Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Dismal weather and disappointing sales led to a depressing start to spring for retailers, even accounting for the change in timing of Easter. People delayed typical spring purchases despite retailers’ attempts to entice customers with heavy discounts. 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.
“A strong retail industry is vital for a strong economy, and it is vital the next Government recognises this if it wants to boost investment in our towns and cities. Retail is nearly 10% of employment in every region and plays a unique role in building communities and generating local economic growth. The Government must champion pro-growth policies to help unlock important investment in many left-behind regions.”
