An early Easter and poor weather conditions have led to a 4% drop in retail sales in April compared to the previous year, according to new figures.

This decline is set against a growth of 5.1% in April 2023, but was exacerbated by the earlier timing of Easter, which previously boosted March sales unusually high, reports the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. However, even after adjusting for this seasonal distortion, the average growth for March and April combined was only 0.2%, falling short of the three-month average of 0.5% and the 12-month average of 2.2%.

Analysts suggested that despite falling inflation and potential interest rate cuts from the Bank of England, consumer confidence to spend has not yet materialised. Food sales saw a year-on-year increase of 4.4%, compared to a growth of 9.8% in April 2023, while non-food sales fell by 2.8% for the same period.

Tech sales experienced a slight uplift as consumers sought to upgrade computers, phones and other devices following the pandemic-induced surge in activity in the sector. However, typical spring purchases such as clothing and shoes, DIY equipment and garden furniture were weak due to the dreary, wet weather.

Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "Dismal weather and disappointing sales led to a depressing start to spring for retailers, even accounting for the change in timing of Easter. 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."

Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure at KMPG, said: "The positive sales figures seen in March due to an early Easter demonstrate the importance that triggers such as warmer weather, events and occasions can have in helping to deliver the necessary impact required to get consumers spending again."

"Retailers will be hoping that there might still be an early summer interest rate cut, a strong performance from England and Scotland in the Euros, and an uptick in temperatures. Together this might be the trigger to boost consumers' willingness to spend in the weeks ahead."