UK retail sales fall 1.3% in April amid consumer uncertainty

British retail sales volumes fell by 1.3% in April every month, official data published on Friday showed, underscoring continued pressure on consumers amid geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected a smaller decline of 0.6% in sales volumes during the month.

Compared with the same period a year earlier, retail sales volumes were flat, missing economists’ expectations for a 1.3% annual increase.

The data came as consumer confidence in Britain remained subdued.

A separate survey published earlier on Friday showed confidence improved only slightly in May, while households were the least willing to make major purchases in nearly 18 months.

Fuel sales drag overall retail performance

According to the figures, retail sales volumes fell by 1.3% in April 2026 following a revised 0.6% increase in March and a revised 0.8% decline in February.

Fuel sales were a major factor behind the monthly decline.

Retailers said motorists were conserving fuel during April after stocking up in March as prices increased.

Total retail sales excluding automotive fuel declined by 0.4% during the month.

Clothing retailers and non-store retailers both recorded weaker sales than in March, with businesses attributing the slowdown to variable weather and softer consumer demand.

Retail sales volumes, including automotive fuel, were flat on an annual basis in April 2026.

Volumes also remained 1.7% below pre-pandemic levels recorded in February 2020.

Despite the weak monthly reading, sales volumes increased by 0.5% in the three months to April 2026 compared with the previous three-month period ending January 2026.

Every year, sales volumes over the three months were 1.1% higher than the same period last year.

Retailers cite geopolitical and regulatory pressures

Major British retailers said uncertainty linked to the war in Iran continued to weigh on both businesses and consumers.

Retailers also pointed to higher taxes and increased regulation as additional challenges affecting spending and investment decisions.

However, some companies delivered stronger performances despite the broader slowdown.

Fashion retailer Next reported better-than-expected first-quarter sales, while electricals retailer Currys slightly raised its profit outlook.

Non-food stores show resilience

The official figures also highlighted some areas of resilience within the retail sector.

Non-food store sales volumes grew over the three months to April.

Cosmetics and toiletries stores recorded growth for a fourth consecutive month, while computer and telecoms retailers maintained strong performance following product releases in March 2026.

Non-store retailers also performed well during the three months.

The Office for National Statistics noted that Easter timing differences were accounted for in seasonal adjustments.

Easter Monday fell within the April 2026 reporting period, while Good Friday was included in the March release.

Both holidays were included in the April 2025 reporting period.

The data suggested that while some retail categories continued to benefit from product demand and resilient spending, broader consumer caution and weaker fuel demand weighed heavily on overall retail activity during April.