The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) retail sales figures reveal sales volumes increased by 0.4% in March over February.
Experts had feared a slump in High Street sales because of consumer concerns over the increasing economic gloom, but both in-store and online sales rose.
March was unusually fine. In fact, the Met Office says England enjoyed its sunniest March since records began in 1910, with 59% more sunshine than average.
That may have helped boost spring fashion sales. Clothing and footwear sales soared by 3.7% as shoppers sought out the latest trends.
However, the home delivery expert Parcelhero says the good weather doesn’t entirely explain such positive retail sales results. Parcelhero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: ‘This was the third month in a row that sales increased. Overall, there was a 1.6% rise across the three months to March 2025, when compared with the three months to December 2024. This was the largest three-monthly rise since July 2021.
‘Last month we said, “The crunch figures will actually be those for March and April, as increases to employers’ National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage kick in.” We asked: “Will retailers be able to maintain the keen pricing that encouraged Brits to Carry On Shopping in February?” So far, the answer is a resounding yes.
‘It wasn’t just the amount of goods we bought that increased in March, we also spent more. Our total spend – the amount we spent both in-store and online – rose by 0.3% over February.
‘And this rise can’t be attributed solely to the great weather. Even from the comfort of our sofas, the amount we all spent shopping online rose by 2% over February and a whopping 5% year-on-year. Similarly, online volumes also rose. Non-store retailing, the sector which mostly comprises e-commerce sales, rose by 2% in volume.
‘In all, these results are encouraging for retailers and show shoppers held their nerve last month. However, some of the measures announced in the Autumn Budget that consumers are most worried about did not kick in until 6 April. Additionally, it’s yet to be seen whether President Trump’s tariff antics may have spooked consumers. Again, all eyes will be on the next set of retail figures to see if sales can continue to weather the storms.
‘The balance of online to High Street sales maintained the same broad equilibrium that’s been established since the end of the Covid pandemic. Online sales rose from 26.4% of the entire retail market in February to 26.8% in March. Ultimately, it’s those stores with a combined High Street and online offering that are most protected against unexpected events. Parcelhero’s influential report “2030: Death of the High Street” has been discussed in Parliament. It reveals that retailers must develop an omnichannel approach, embracing both online and physical store sales.
