Retail sales volumes jumped +1.2% in April 2025, according to official figures from the ONS, with a mild and sunny spring prompting strong food store sales.

Retail sales volumes also rose by +1.8% in the three months to April 2025, when compared with the three months prior, representing the largest quarterly rise in almost four years, matching levels last seen in July 2021.

“Warm temperatures helped boost retail sales in April with strong trading across most sectors,” the ONS’ Senior Statistician, Hannah Finselbach, said.

A cause for cautious optimism

“April provided a much-needed boost for retailers… offering some relief and indicating the beginning of a recovery of consumer sentiment and spending,” Silvia Rindone, UK&I Retail Lead at EY, commented. However, she warned that the impact of U.S. trade tariffs could still present challenges for retailers looking ahead.

“Retailers are now navigating the impact of U.S. trade tariffs, adding another layer of complexity to their operations,” she said. This means retailers “will need to continually adapt” putting in “contingency plans to address growing costs, pricing changes and shifting market competitiveness.”

Food sales see sharpest rise, while clothing sales dip

Food store sales volumes grew strongly in April 2025, rising by +3.9% according to the ONS figures. The jump was attributed to good weather, after the UK experienced its sunniest and third warmest April on record. This boosted sales at supermarkets, specialist food stores, including butchers, as well as alcohol retailers.

However, clothing sales volumes declined -1.8% in April – this dip follows apparel being one of the top performing categories in March when the ONS said fashion store sales volumes rose +3.7%.

Improving consumer outlook as confidence improves

The ONS data follows a similarly upbeat outlook from GfK’s latest Consumer Confidence Index, which showed UK consumer confidence inched up by three points month-on-month in May, rising to -20, despite ongoing inflation concerns and Trump Tariff fears.

While Consumer Insights Director at GfK, Neil Bellamy, said consumers may have “taken comfort” in the Bank of England’s base rate cut and “breathed a sigh of relief” following U.S. tariff fears, he warned uncertainty still remains.

“Those dangers, especially the issue of inflation, have not disappeared,” he said, however “the consumer mood does appear to have improved a little.”