April sees sales increase despite fall in volume

Total retail sales rose in April, however sales volumes decreased as inflation continues to put pressure on consumer budgets.

Sales increased by 5.1%, against a fall of 0.3% in April last year, according to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.

Like-for-like sales increased by 5.2%, compared to 1.7% in 2022.

Food sales rose by 9.8% in April with an increase of 10% like-for-like over three months. Non-food sales were up by 1.2% in total and 0.8% on a like-for-like basis.

However, high levels of inflation means that overall sales volumes saw fell.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “While retail sales grew in April, overall inflation meant volumes were down for both food and non-food as customers continued to adjust spending habits.”

“Retailers hope sales will improve over the warmer summer months, especially as consumer confidence stabilises and inflation begins to ease. However, they continue to face huge cost pressures from a tight labour market, high energy prices and other rising input costs, with many retailers reporting lower profits this year as a result”, she added.