Deloitte comments on ONS retail sales

Commenting on today’s ONS retail sales figures, Oliver Vernon-Harcourt, head of retail at Deloitte, said:

“Yet another unexpected rise in retail sales may indicate a turning point for retailers. This marks a third consecutive month of sales growth for the first time since the summer of 2021. The retail sector is proving resilient, even with increasing costs for both businesses and consumers. The arrival of spring sunshine seems to be behind the uplift in sales, as wardrobes were updated and socialising outside the home encouraged spending both in store and online.

“While some consumers continue to be tactical in the way they spend, with more than half saying they cut down on luxuries and treats in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous three months, it is clear that there is appetite to start loosening the purse strings. With Easter to come in April’s figures, and hopefully further sunshine to encourage footfall onto the high street, we may see continued growth in the second quarter.”

ENDS