Core retail sales growth in the United Kingdom slowed sharply in March, with the year-over-year rate easing to 1.7% from 3.4% in February, according to data updated on 24 April 2026. The figures compare sales in March 2026 with those in March 2025, while the prior reading reflected the change from February 2026 versus February 2025.
The halving of the growth rate suggests that underlying consumer demand lost momentum as the first quarter drew to a close. Core retail sales exclude some of the more volatile components of consumer spending, so the deceleration from February’s relatively robust pace may be an early signal of softer household activity. Investors and policymakers are likely to watch upcoming data closely to assess whether this cooler trend persists into the second quarter.
