The latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor data shows UK non-food sales, which includes clothing saw a 6.1% year-over-year increase in April.
This figure was an improvement from the 6% decline in the same month of the previous year and surpassed both the three-month average increase of 2.1% and the 12-month average growth of 0.1%.
British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson 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 this year, the sunshine prompted strong consumer spending across the board. Clothing sales, where growth has been sluggish in recent months, also improved as consumers refreshed their wardrobes for the new season.”
Over the four-week period ending 3 May 2025, brick-and-mortar non-food stores experienced a 5.6% increase in sales compared to April of the previous year, which saw a 6.2% decline. These figures exceeded the three-month average growth rate of 1.3% and reversed the 12-month average decline of 0.8%.
E-commerce sales for non-food items also rose by 7% year-over-year in April, marking a significant shift from a 5.5% decrease in April of the previous year. This growth outpaced both the three-month average increase of 3.4% and the 12-month average growth of 1.8%.
Over the month, the proportion of non-food purchases made online, known as the online penetration rate, dipped slightly to 36.4% from 36.5% in April of the prior year. This figure is below the 12-month average online penetration rate of 36.8%.
Under the online sales category growth rankings, clothing, footwear, house textiles, health and beauty were down in April.
Overall, total retail sales in the UK increased by 7% year-over-year in April, contrasting with a 4% decline in April of the previous year. This performance exceeded both the three-month average growth rate of 2.9% and the 12-month average growth rate of 1.4%.
When examining March and April together to adjust for Easter's variable timing, total retail sales in the UK for this two-month period rose by 4.3% compared to the same months in 2024.
KPMG consumer, retail and leisure UK head Linda Ellett said: “Retail sales have been showing growth for five months now. The pace of that growth picked up in April due to Easter and the drier weather boosting clothing and garden related sales, while the uptick in house buying ahead of the stamp duty changes likely filtered through to furniture and DIY related sales, as well as other homewares.
"Consumers tell us they are still taking steps to manage their household budgets, so retailers will need to focus on how they can continue to unlock spending over the coming months to keep the growth going - including capitalising on purchases related to strong summer holiday demand."
