Retail sales rose in March and are expected to rise further in coming months as warm weather and events such as Taylor Swift’s UK tour spur consumer spending, industry analysts said.

Sports events such as paris olympic gamesIncreased sales are also expected as stores recover from the effects of recent severe weather, coupled with factors such as lower energy bills. high inflation About family budget.

Data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG showed that retail sales rose by 3.5% year-on-year in March, above the 2.9% average over the past 12 months.

Researchers said the advance of Easter was partly to blame for the increase, with food sales up 6.8% in the three months to March compared with the same period last year.

They also said further wet weather this month had dampened demand for garden furniture, clothing, barbecues and DIY products.

However, KPMG’s Linda Elliott said there were “green shoots” signs for retailers as economic indicators were “moving in the right direction and inflationary pressures have eased” – although she warned that Consumer confidence remains fragile.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson added: “After A tough start to the yearRetailers hope that as the weather warms up, consumer confidence will pick up. “

Separate data from Barclays on Tuesday showed consumer card spending was “flat” in March, rising 1.9% (the same as the previous month), mainly due to wet weather that slowed discretionary purchases.

However, it found housing costs to be “increasingly stable” and analysts expressed optimism about the coming months.

Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Wet weather is a key factor in the slowdown in discretionary spending as it means fewer people are visiting high streets and hospitality venues.

“However, despite the initial lull, many retailers remain confident that spending will rebound in the coming months, particularly in anticipation of improved weather, falling energy price caps and rising prices. national minimum wageand the buzz surrounding major events, e.g. Taylor SwiftEras tour and the 2024 Paris Olympics. “

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Mark Arnold, head of UK savings and mortgages at Barclays, added that there was “reason to be optimistic”.

He said: “Our data show housing costs The economy is stabilizing, the inflationary wave is easing, and interest rates are expected to fall in the coming months, all of which should translate into increased consumer confidence and spending. “

Swift performed a total of 15 shows in the UK this summer, starting on June 7 in Edinburgh and ending on August 20 at London’s Wembley Arena.

The American singer’s recent performances Australia Officials praise them for boosting the national economy.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics said Swift’s seven sold-out concerts in Sydney and Melbourne led to higher spending on clothing, merchandise, accessories and dining out in February.