The survey – which aggregated the views of 124 businesses, including 60 retailers – showed sales are expected to remain above seasonal norms in the year to May, with non-essential retail stores across the UK able to re-open by late-April 2021.
Hardware & DIY and furniture & carpets subsectors saw sales significantly above seasonal norms, supported by a consumer focus on home improvement. Grocers and non-store retailers also reported that sales were good for the time of the year. However, clothing and footwear store sales remained well below seasonal norms.
Annual growth in sales was strong, with volumes rising at the fastest pace since September 2018 in the year to April, although this was flattered by the low base for comparison, with sales in April 2020 having been significantly impacted by the first COVID-19 national lockdown in the UK. Growth in sales volumes is expected to slow next month. Internet sales continued to grow at an above average pace and are expected to do so again in the year to May.
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