Food sales in the UK increased 4.4% YoY over the three months to April 2024. Credit: nrd on Unsplash.

UK retail sales decreased 4% year-on-year (YoY) in April 2024, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).  

This downturn contrasts with the 5.1% growth in the same month of 2023 and falls below both the three-month average growth of 0.5% and the 12-month average growth of 2.2%. 

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The BRC’s data covers the four weeks from 31 March to 27 April 2024. It also reveals that food sales saw a 4.4% increase over the three months to April 2024, as compared to a 9.8% growth over the three months to April 2023.  

This figure is below the 12-month average of 6.7%.  

Non-food sales in the UK declined by 2.8% YoY over the three months to April 2024, compared with a growth of 1.2% in April 2023. 

In-store non-food sales decreased by 2.4% YoY over the three months to April, a downturn from the 3.9% growth in April 2023 and below the 12-month average decline of 0.7%.  

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In April 2024, online non-food sales fell by 5.5% YoY, compared to a fall of 3.6% in April 2023 – a steeper decline than the 3.5% seen over three months and the 3% seen over 12 months. 

The online penetration rate for non-food items increased slightly to 36.2% in April 2024 from 36.1% in April 2023, marginally above the 12-month average of 36.1%. 

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson OBE said: “Dismal weather and disappointing sales led to a depressing start to Spring for retailers, even accounting for the change in timing of Easter. 

“People delayed typical Spring purchases despite retailers’ attempts to entice customers with heavy discounts. A dull, wet April dampened sales growth for clothing and footwear, especially outdoor sportswear, as well as DIY and garden furniture.  

“Promotions in computing did boost sales as many sought to upgrade their tech a few years post the pandemic surge in tech sales.  

“Many retailers are hoping for brighter sales over the summer months as social events ramp up, and consumer confidence could improve with a potential cut in interest rates.” 

A recent report by the BRC and Sensormatic IQ revealed that the UK retail sector experienced a 7.2% YoY decline in footfall in April 2024.