The majority consumers remained cautious about spending during a challenging June on the high street. However, there were still some positive examples of resilience, in the face of ongoing economic pressures.
SALES IN GB TOWNS AND CITIES FELL BACK ONCE AGAIN DURING MAY 2025, ALTHOUGH STRONGER FOOD & DRINK SALES PARTIALLY OFFSET THE CONTINUING CONTRACTION IN FASHION SALES.
THE ANTICIPATED BOOST IN SALES FROM EASTER IN TOWNS AND CITIES DURING APRIL 2025, DID NOT MATERIALISE, WITH SHOPPERS REMAINING CAUTIOUS ABOUT SPENDING PARTICULARLY ON FASHION. HOWEVER, A NOTE OF OPTIMISM WAS PROVIDED BY INCREASES IN SALES IN THE KEY SECTORS OF FOOD & DRINK, GENERAL RETAIL AND GROCERY FOR THE FIRST MONTH SINCE 2024.
SALES IN TOWN AND CITIES DURING MARCH 2025 WERE IMPACTED BY THE MOVEMENT OF EASTER INTO APRIL THIS YEAR; BUT THIS SHOULD DELIVER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SALES UPLIFT IN APRIL AS A LATER EASTER IS TYPICALLY MORE BENEFICIAL FOR HIGH STREETS.
Sales in towns and cities on Black Friday this year were +14.5% higher than on Black Friday 2023 (compared with the +5.5% increase ALL non-food retail sales published by the BRC) and +50.9% higher than on the Friday in the previous week.
Consumer confidence has fallen, and retail sales weakened; leading to a more subdued Christmas forecast from Diane Wehrle. Making the remaining opportunities even more crucial, read on to find out more.