The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for April shows that retail sales grew 5.1% during the month, compared to a 0.3% decline last year.
Industry experts have highlighted that while values are rising, volume was actually lower as inflation continues to hit consumer budgets. The ONS showed that inflation hit 10.1% in March.
Food sales increased in April by 9.8% over the three months to April 2023, while non-food stores saw a 1.2% increase over the same period.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, commented: “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.”
Paul Martin, UK head of retail at KPMG, added: “Consumer demand has so far been fairly resilient to the twin drags of high inflation an high interest rates, but as government energy support comes to an end for many, savings start to dwindle and other household bills rise, it is likely that the next few months will continue to be challenging as the consumer tank empties.
“Much hinges on whether soaring food inflation can be brought under control enough to allow consumers to comfortably start spending again on non-essential items.”
