Worst April in a decade: British shoppers stop buying clothes
Sales fell 1.6% year on year. Fashion, homeware and lifestyle declined at the same time — the first time since March 2018.
Like-for-like sales in British discretionary retail — that is, in non-essential goods — fell 1.6% year on year in April. It is the worst April result in a decade, leaving aside the pandemic years.
Weak consumer confidence and the rising cost of living continue to weigh on spending. Sales fell simultaneously across fashion, homeware and lifestyle for the first time since March 2018.
“It is hard to overstate how difficult April was for retailers,” says Sophie Michael, head of retail and wholesale at BDO, noting that the month usually brings a seasonal lift.