Overview

• Retail sales volumes in Great Britain increased by 0.4% in March 2025, marking the third consecutive month of growth, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
• The first quarter of 2025 recorded a 1.6% rise in sales volumes, the largest quarterly increase since spring 2021, driven by strong performance in non-food categories.
• Clothing and footwear retailers saw a 3.7% sales increase in March, with garden centres and DIY stores also benefiting from unseasonably sunny weather.
• Food store sales fell by 1.3% in March, continuing a downward trend as supermarkets face intensified competition and price pressures.
• Economists warn that rising business costs, including new taxes and wage increases, coupled with declining consumer confidence due to US tariff uncertainties, could hinder future growth.