Easter Weekend Affects Retail Performance

  • Retail sales increased by 4.1% in April compared to a decrease of 3.1% last year
  • Easter timing distorted the figures
  • Two-year average growth was 0.4% per annum, slower than March’s 0.9%
  • In-store sales of non-food items declined over three months and 12 months
  • Online sales of non-food products grew 4.3%, below last year’s 6.7%
  • Online penetration rate increased to 29.7% from 28% in April 2018
  • Retailers continue investing in technology, but face government-imposed costs

UK retail sales growth slowed in April, despite a total increase of 4.1% compared to a decrease of 3.1% the previous year, due to the timing of Easter affecting figures. The two-year average growth was 0.4%, down from March’s 0.9%. In-store non-food sales declined over three months and 12 months, while online non-food sales grew 4.3%. Online penetration rate increased to 29.7% from 28% in April 2018. Retailers continue investing in technology amidst government-imposed costs.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about UK retail sales figures, including comparisons with previous years and explanations for the variations. It also includes quotes from an expert source to provide context and analysis of the data. However, it does not include any irrelevant or sensational details, nor does it present personal opinions as facts.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about retail sales figures and offers some analysis on the impact of weather conditions and online sales growth. However, it includes some repetitive information and could benefit from more in-depth exploration of the factors affecting retailers beyond weather and government costs.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: UK retail industry
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses UK retail sales figures and their impact on various sectors within the industry, which can affect companies’ performance and financial markets.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk