Report Summary

Period covered: 02 March – 05 April 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.

Online performance

Online retail sales rose by xx% year-on-year in March, outperforming the xx% gain seen a year earlier. This marked the strongest rate of online growth so far this year.

Department stores and other non-food categories led the charge, with year-on-year online sales growth of xx% and xx%, respectively. Mother’s Day gifting, warm conditions, and stronger promotional activity helped lift volumes in these discretionary categories.

Clothing & Footwear was another bright spot, rising xx% year-on-year and recording its best performance of 2025 so far. New seasonal apparel and wardrobe refreshes were encouraged by the spring-like conditions.

The online share of total retail sales increased to xx%, up from xx% a year ago.

Average weekly online sales reached £xx billion, driven by seasonal shopping, improved weather, and key gifting occasions.

Key drivers

• Mothers Day: Mother’s Day came late in the month and helped drive traffic and conversion across gifting, fashion, and beauty categories.
• Some retailers ran gifting and discount campaigns during March, which were particularly effective online.
• The weather: March was unusually sunny and dry, the third sunniest on record and driest since 2012. This helped trigger interest in spring categories like fashion, outdoor living, and seasonal food.

Online: 2025 Outlook

• Online sales growth is forecast to stay steady in 2025, but the UK is set to underperform other leading markets driven by stronger consumer confidence and better economic conditions.
• As growth becomes harder to unlock, retailers are focusing on new channels, smarter technology, and more tailored customer experiences.

Key drivers for Ecommerce in 2025

Five themes are set to shape performance this year, offering clues as to where brands can gain an edge.

The AI advantage: driving growth through digital transformation

Social commerce: a catalyst for enhanced consumer engagement

Marketplaces momentum: broadening reach and boosting growth

Next-generation expectations: relevance, speed, and seamless delivery

Delivery and returns: The make-or-break factor

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Proportion of online retail sales by category