Spring sunshine lifts retail sales in March

Spring sunshine lifts retail sales in March
Record-breaking sunshine in March gave Britain’s retailers a surprise boost as retail sales volumes rose by 0.4 per cent during the month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), defying the economic forecasts. The figure was a slowdown, however, from February’s 0.7 per cent increase, which itself was revised down from an initial estimate of 1 per cent. The better-than-expected performance was driven by consumers refreshing their wardrobes and sprucing up outdoor spaces as unseasonably warm and sunny weather encouraged spending. The rise was partly offset by weaker supermarket sales, as more people dined and drank outside their homes.
Jacqui Baker, head of retail at RSM UK and chair of ICAEW’s Retail Group, comments:, “Glimpses of warmer weather and improving consumer confidence meant retail sales continued its upward trend in March, helped by clothing, gardening supplies and DIY goods.
'Sales volumes rose for the third consecutive month, reaching their highest level since July 2022. The first quarter of 2025 suggests consumer spending is slowly starting to return, which should provide some reason for optimism in the retail sector.