Warmer weather in March provided a boost to retailers, despite an Easter holiday falling later in the season. Sales of gardening, DIY, food, and health and beauty products all increased thanks to the sunshine. Mother’s Day also contributed to retail sales growth of 1.1% in the month, according to a British Retail Consortium-KPMG survey. Sales growth remained unchanged from February, despite a decline in visitor numbers on high streets and in retail parks. The CEO of the BRC, Helen Dickinson, stated that demand appeared to be strengthening, thanks to the improved weather and a strong final week where gardening and DIY products sold quickly. Barclays bank reported a 13.4% increase in spending at garden centers last month. However, experts have suggested that growth may have peaked as big-ticket items such as sofas and TVs remained weak. Consumer confidence has decreased due to concerns about US trade tariffs and UK government tax increases on businesses. Dickinson warned that national insurance contributions and packaging recycling payments would likely increase inflation and hold back high street investments. Unemployment levels have been rising and job vacancies have been falling as employers have become more hesitant to hire. Households have reduced spending on essentials such as groceries, petrol, and energy bills as they prepare for price increases, prioritize holidays, and spend more on electronics and digital subscriptions. While the warmer weather has encouraged consumers to invest in gardening and DIY, they are still feeling the pressure of rising bills and the impact of global events on their finances. Major supermarkets have seen their stock market value fall as they prepare for a price war, with Asda struggling to maintain its position as the UK’s third largest chain. Overall, sales growth has been modest and some retailers are struggling to cope with rising costs, with others winning the battle, especially online.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/15/welcome-green-shoots-warm-march-weather-gives-11-lift-to-uk-retail-sales