FX.co ★ UK Retail Sales Unexpectedly Rise

In March 2025, UK retail sales experienced a 0.4% month-over-month increase, countering expectations of a 0.4% decrease. This follows a revised rise of 0.7% in the previous month. Non-food store sales climbed by 1.7%, marking their highest point since March 2022. Notably, clothing stores led this growth with a 3.7% increase, attributable to favorable weather conditions. Other non-food outlets also witnessed a rise of 2.4%, driven primarily by second-hand goods and garden supply retailers. Conversely, food store sales saw a decline of 1.3%. When fuel is excluded, retail sales grew by 0.5% compared to the prior month. Annually, retail sales surged by 2.6%, surpassing predictions and February’s 1.8% rise. For the first quarter, retail trade expanded by 1.6%, achieving the most substantial three-month growth since July 2021.