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UK retail sales decreased by 3.4% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis in April 2026, sharply missing expectations for a 0.8% increase and reversing the 3.1% growth recorded in March. The latest figure marked the first contraction in retail activity since November 2024, highlighting a notable deterioration in consumer demand. Broader data also showed Barclays credit and debit card spending falling 0.1% annually, the first decline in five months, while total retail sales dropped 3%. The pullback was most evident in discretionary categories, with travel spending plunging 5.7% and weakness also seen in furniture, hotels, and other big-ticket purchases. Retailers attributed the slowdown to uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict, which fueled concerns over higher living costs and prompted households to prioritize savings over spending. While Easter timing effects partly distorted the monthly comparison, the data still points to weakening UK consumer confidence.
