Try GOLD - Free
Surprise rise in retail sales as shoppers buoyed by the sun
The Guardian
|April 26, 2025
Sunny weather fuelled an unexpected increase in retail sales in Britain last month as shoppers flocked to clothing, outdoor and DIY stores.
Retail sales volumes rose by 0.4%, according to the Office for National Statistics, defying a forecast of a 0.4% fall by City economists and marking the third straight month of growth.
The overall 1.6% rise across the first quarter of the year, compared with the last quarter of 2024, is the best return since July 2021.
But the figures came before Donald Trump's "liberation day" global tariff announcements at the start of this month, which took consumer confidence to the lowest level since 2023.
Andrew Bailey, the governor of the Bank of England, said on Thursday that the economy faced a "growth shock" from the US president's trade policies.
This story is from the April 26, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Guardian
The Guardian
New C of E archbishop accused over handling of 2019 abuse complaint
The Church of England is reviewing a complaint against the incoming archbishop of Canterbury over her handling of an abuse allegation.
2 mins
December 12, 2025
The Guardian
Fans packing darts’ theatre of dreams relish expansion
Arguably the championship distorts the wider sport but the hordes in fancy dress cannot get enough of it
3 mins
December 12, 2025
The Guardian
Ashes to Ashes
Barmy Army's pride and parps show no sign of easing despite Bazball's implosion
4 mins
December 12, 2025
The Guardian
WSL to review TV slots after concern over viewership
The league takes stock on whether this was shrewd
2 mins
December 12, 2025
The Guardian
Police seek four men after 'high-value' museum exhibits stolen
More than 600 artefacts from Bristol Museum’s British empire and Commonwealth collection have been stolen in a “high-value burglary”, according to police.
2 mins
December 12, 2025
The Guardian
Net zero by 2050 What will it cost to hit the target and will it be a price worth paying?
Britain’s official energy system operator has attempted to work out what achieving net zero carbon emissions will cost, with its figures showing surging spending in the coming years.
4 mins
December 12, 2025
The Guardian
Border clash
Fleeing Thais sceptical of Trump's peace drive
2 mins
December 12, 2025
The Guardian
Changes to polar bear DNA could help them adapt to global heating, scientists discover
Changes in polar bear DNA that could help the animals adapt to warmer climates have been detected by researchers in what is thought to be the first time a statistically significant link has been found between rising temperatures and changing DNA in a wild mammal species.
2 mins
December 12, 2025
The Guardian
Trump launches $1m 'golden visa' scheme for rich individuals
Donald Trump has launched a programme that will allow wealthy foreign individuals to buy a US “golden visa” for $1m (£750,000), and trailed a “platinum” version for $5m.
1 mins
December 12, 2025
The Guardian
Water firms should stop using toxic plastic beads, says MP
The use of tiny toxic plastic beads at sewage works should be banned nationwide, an MP and wildlife experts have said after a devastating spill at an internationally important nature reserve.
2 mins
December 12, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size