United Kingdom retail sales returned to growth in March 2026, rising 0.7% month-over-month and reversing the previous month’s decline. The latest data, updated on 24 April 2026, show a clear shift in consumer spending momentum after February’s 0.6% drop.
The March reading compares the change in retail activity to February 2026, while the earlier figure measured February’s performance against January. The move from a -0.6% contraction to 0.7% growth suggests that consumer demand has stabilized and begun to recover, offering a more positive signal for the UK’s near-term economic outlook.
Market participants and analysts will be watching upcoming releases closely to see whether March’s improvement marks the start of a more durable uptrend in household spending or a temporary bounce following February’s weakness.