March 2025 saw UK retail sales increase by 1.1% year on year, influenced by the earlier Easter compared to last year's March figures. Food sales rose by 1.6% while non-food sales grew by 0.6%. Online non-food sales showed positive growth at 1.8%. Influences such as Mother's Day spurred sales in beauty items, though furniture sales were sluggish. An increase in the online penetration rate for non-food purchases indicates shifting consumer behavior. Overall, the retail landscape remains challenged, but signs of demand strengthening are emerging.
Despite a challenging global geopolitical landscape, the small increase in both food and non-food sales masked signs of underlying strengthening of demand given March 2025's comparison with last year's early Easter.
The improving weather made for a particularly strong final week, with gardening and DIY equipment flying off the shelves.
Jewellery and beauty products were helped by Mother's Day, though sales of bigger ticket items like furniture remained weak.
Retailers are making final preparations for Easter, with food expected to be the big winner.
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