Sunniest April on record lifts UK retail sales as consumers flock to pubs, DIY and gardening

A mixture of unreasonable sunny weather and the later timing of Easter breaking led to a sharp increase in retail sales throughout the United Kingdom in April, where consumers went outdoors and opened their wallets to improve home and garden, as new data appear.

The retail spending increased by 7 % on an annual basis, according to numbers from the British Federation (BRC) and KPMG-consultations, a noticeable jump from the modest increase by 1.1 % recorded in March. While the height was partially driven by the decrease in Easter in April of this year instead of March, the basic momentum was clear, as spending was in March and April together by 4.3 % compared to the same period in 2023.

He repeated separate personalities from Barclays optimistic photo. The bank, which tracks approximately 40 % of credit and deduction card transactions in the United Kingdom, said the cards spending increased by 4.5 % in April – the fastest growth since June 2023.

Good weather also gave retailers in the garden a wheelchair, where spending in garden centers increased by 25 % in April. DIY sales have increased by 4 %, most likely by new homeowners who are preparing for summer renovations after a wave of completion of property before the end of the Stamp Duty vacation.

MET office confirmed that April 2025 was the most sunnone, helping to pay sales in both the food and non -food sectors. BRC and KPMG data show that food sales increased by 8.2 % on an annual basis, outperforming the average growth for three months by 3.9 %, while non -food sales jumped by 6.1 %, before three months before the direction.

Official data from the National Statistics Office supports this strong image, as retail sales increased by 1.6 % in the first quarter of 2025 – a clear sign that consumer activity is still flexible despite economic uncertainty.

“April April has made a batch of retail sales,” said Helen Dickenson, CEO of The BRC. “While the strongest performance was partially caused by the decrease in Easter in April this year, the sun’s rays have pushed a strong consumer spending in all fields.”

Barclays also pointed out that despite the geopolitical fears – especially the constant uncertainty surrounding global trade and definitions – consumers in the UK are still optimistic. In April, 72 % of those surveyed expressed their concern about the financial impact of President Trump’s policies, but this anxiety was partially reduced through a trade deal for the United States of America, which reduced the tariffs on mineral and cars exports while maintaining a 10 % blanket.

“While the world is still dealing with unprecedented levels of commercial uncertainty, economic feelings in the United Kingdom were surprisingly positive, with the support of a flexible consumer,” said Julian Lafarge, the chief market strategy at Barclays private bank at Barclays Private Bank. “The last interest rate from the Bank of England, along with the clarity of improved trade, should support more momentum in the coming months.”

Lavarg warned, although despite the current rise in spending, the broader economic growth may remain interested, especially since the global labor market is blessed and continues the economic opposite winds at the international level.

However, the April boom in consumer activity provides retailers welcoming, raising hopes that improving weather and low interest rates can help maintain spending in summer.