LONDON: British retail sales rose sharply in April as shoppers shrugged off global trade war concerns, fueled by Easter spending and sunny weather, data showed Tuesday.
The British Retail Consortium reported a 7% annual sales jump — the largest since the COVID-19 pandemic — driven by strong demand for food, gardening supplies and clothing.
Clothing sales rebounded as the UK recorded its sunniest April since 1910, encouraging wardrobe updates. Combined March-April sales rose 4.3% year-over-year, adjusting for Easter timing.
Separate Barclays data showed consumer card spending up 4.5% annually — the biggest increase since June 2023. For the first time in over two years, spending growth outpaced inflation.
A Barclays survey found 74% of consumers worried about U.S. trade policies’ impact on finances, though concerns eased slightly from early April. Overall financial confidence held at 70%.
The Bank of England, which cut rates last week, is monitoring whether global trade tensions dampen demand.