Report Summary

Period covered: 01 March - 04 April 2026

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.

Clothing & Footwear Sales

Clothing sales rose by xx% year-on-year in March, with footwear sales increasing by just xx% over the same period.

Early strength supported the headline, particularly in clothing, but this momentum faded later in March as consumer confidence weakened. Footwear lagged throughout, reflecting its more discretionary nature and lower exposure to seasonal refresh demand.

Key drivers

Trading conditions were favourable in the first half of the month. Warmer weather and seasonal events, including Mother’s Day, supported demand for spring ranges. Consumers responded to improved conditions by updating wardrobes, particularly in lighter clothing categories.

Momentum weakened noticeably in the second half of March, with the escalation of conflict in the Middle East leading to a shift in consumer behaviour. This was reflected in smaller basket sizes, fewer impulse purchases and a greater focus on planned buying.

Clothing proved more resilient than footwear, supported by its stronger link to seasonal refresh cycles and lower average price points. Consumers were still willing to engage with newness in apparel, but this engagement became more selective as the month progressed.

Promotional intensity increased across the category, which supported headline growth, but masked volume pressure.

Macro backdrop

The macroeconomic backdrop became more challenging as March progressed.

Inflation rose to xx% YoY, driven by increases in fuel, transport and food. Clothing prices themselves moved back into deflation on an annual basis, as discounting and weaker demand limited price growth despite new season ranges entering the market.

The escalation of conflict in the Middle East added a further layer of uncertainty. Rising oil and gas prices are expected to feed through into transport, logistics and production costs, increasing pressure across retail supply chains. This is already influencing consumer behaviour, with households becoming more cautious in anticipation of higher living costs.

Monetary policy expectations have shifted accordingly. Interest rates were held at xx%, but expectations for near-term cuts have diminished. Mortgage pricing has firmed, increasing borrowing costs and weighing on disposable income, particularly for households refinancing in the coming months.

Consumer confidence declined to an eleven-month low during March, with the sharpest deterioration seen in expectations for the wider economy. At the same time, the savings index increased, indicating a shift towards precautionary behaviour.

For clothing and footwear, the combined effect is a more selective consumer, increased reliance on promotions and a weaker outlook for non-essential purchases as the market moves into the second quarter.

Outlook

Clothing and footwear enters the second quarter with mixed momentum. March delivered positive headline growth, but underlying demand weakened as the month progressed.

The reversal of seasonal support earlier in the month, combined with a more cautious consumer and less supportive macroeconomic conditions, is expected to weigh on performance in the near term.

Clothing is likely to remain more resilient than footwear, supported by ongoing seasonal demand and lower price points. Footwear, with its higher discretionary element, is expected to face greater pressure.

Retailers will need to focus on value, targeted promotions and inventory discipline to maintain sales. A sustained improvement in performance will depend on a recovery in consumer confidence and greater stability in the broader economic environment.

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Confidence fell four points to -25 in April