Report Summary

Period covered: 06 April – 03 May 2025

3 minute read

Note: This report summary is one or two months behind the current month as standard reporting practice. The content is indicative only and incomplete with certain data undisclosed. Become a member to access this data or take out a free 30 day membership trial now.

Health and Beauty sales

Health & Beauty sales rose by xx% YoY in April, compared to xx% growth in April 2024, according to the Retail Economics Retail Sales Index (value, non-seasonally adjusted).

The sector’s performance was aided by the sunniest April since records began, which helped improve footfall.

Sales drivers

Several key factors influenced performance:

Sunnier weather (+): The Met Office reported that it was the sunniest April since records began, leading to increased footfall and encouraged shoppers out of the house.

Easter(+): April sales received a boost from Easter falling later compared to 2024. However, when combining figures from March and April, health and Beauty sales was still up xx% year-on-year, underscoring the positive impact of warmer weather on retail and the resilience of consumer demand.

Household bills increase (-): Consumers’ budgets felt the squeeze as the energy cap rose by xx%, water bills surged by an average of xx% and council tax increased by an average of xx%. Despite these pressures, households were not deterred from spending supported by a highly promotional environment that encouraged increased discretionary purchases.

Improved weather drives social activity

Improved weather and increased social activity led to spending on grooming and wellness. Sales of cosmetics and skincare products jumped as shoppers prepared for holidays and events. SPF moisturisers, self-tan, and fragrances were in high demand.

Similarly, health-related products performed well. Allergy remedies sold strongly as pollen levels rose, and vitamins and wellness items remained popular.

Retailers ran successful spring launches and promotions, supported by a raft of new product drops. Many beauty brands timed their launches with seasonal changes, and online sales were boosted by spring discounts. Consumers continued to prioritise small luxuries in this category, encouraged by improving sentiment.

Consumer mood 

Footfall rose by xx% in April 2025 compared to last year across all UK retail destinations, driven by a xx% uplift in retail park activity.

Inflation stood at xx% in April, up from xx% in the previous month, driven by rising energy, water and council tax bills.

Consumer confidence increased by three points to -xx in May, highlighting consumer resilience against a backdrop of political uncertainty and rising bills.

However, households may begin to adopt a more cautious financial stance as job security begins to weaken, evidenced by a rise in the unemployment rate to xx% in Q1 2025, a four year high.

Businesses are cutting labour costs in response to higher employer national insurance contributions.

This is corroborated by the UK saving rate, which continued its upward trend and reached xx% in Q4 2024, its highest point since 2010 (excluding the pandemic). It is anticipated to remain elevated throughout 2025 as consumers build a protection layer amid increased macroeconomic uncertainty.

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Consumer confidence fell in April in response to Trump’s tariffs