Stores are reporting booming sales thanks to soaring April temperatures and the feel-good Royal Wedding.
The hottest ever April in the UK has brought April sunshine sales figures for shops at North Wales’ premier shopping centre, Eagles Meadow in Wrexham.
Marks and Spencer manager Paul Taylor said: “We have had a fantastic April, way above expectation. Delicatessen items, fruit and meat have gone through the roof.
“The Royal Wedding has also been as big as Easter week for us, it was a tremendous two weeks with very strong performance on clothing too. With the great weather people were buying their summer clothes before usual.
“We are not allowed to release figures but we have seen double digit growth on last year.
“The biggest department for us is the delicatessen, pork pies, roast chicken and so on. People have been buying for barbecues or parties rather than cooking ‘proper’ meals. We have had some good deals on wine as well. The Royal Wedding was another reason for people to get together and celebrate.”
The experience of Wrexham stores has been backed by the figures released this week by the British Retail Consortium.
Its director general Stephen Robertson said UK retail sales values were up 5.2% on a like-for-like basis from April 2010, when sales had fallen 2.3%. On a total basis, sales were up 6.9%, against a 0.2% decrease in April 2010.
Debenhams at Eagles Meadow also reported a “fantastic” April, although the Royal Wedding day actually kept people at home.
Manager Robert Mannix said: “April was fantastic. The Royal Wedding day on Friday did not help because everyone was watching the wedding, but the time around it and the extra bank holiday, shorter week and longer weekend really helped.
“People have been turning to their summer wardrobe earlier. The longer Easter break and children possibly being off a little longer has meant a very good April.”
Fashion chain Next have noticed the great weather has had people thinking more about summer holidays – and weddings.
Manager Claire Birchall said: “We are trading very, very well with sales up. The Royal Wedding brought in extra trade. In ladies wear we have seen big sales in summer tops, flip flops and summer shoes. I think people have just started thinking about summer holidays and weddings.”
River Island fashion store deputy manager Charlotte Smith said: “The days leading up to and after the Bank holidays were very busy, it’s certainly been a good April with big demand for summer stock.”
At Topshop, Katy Tudor said: “We have done really well over the bank holiday periods and half term. Lots of summer dresses especially have gone with the good weather. We noticed a big increase in footfall and the only time it was quiet was the morning of the Royal Wedding with people staying at home, but even then it picked up after about one or two pm.”
Stephen Robertson, said: “Easter and the Royal Wedding bank holiday provided a badly needed boost to many retailers during April. Food sales were strong leading up to Good Friday, suggesting most families prioritised their spending on the Easter celebrations.
“The hottest April since records began got people out spending on summer clothing and footwear.”
