An independent retailers’ association has said that members are hopeful the warm weather and bank holidays will provide a much-needed boost to high street sales. Bira (British Independent Retailers Association) says that recent data showing increased consumer spending in April offers encouragement but warns that rising business costs continue to challenge independent shops.

“Independent retailers across the country are hopeful that this warm weather and the recent bank holiday spending boost will help our high streets,” says Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira. “However, we must emphasise that any increase in sales will be swallowed up by the relentless rise in business costs that our members continue to face.”

Figures from Barclays and the British Retail Consortium show consumer spending grew by 4.5% in April compared with the same period last year, with spending in physical shops increasing by 6.9% after a 1.9% decline in March.

Whilst the recent interest rate cut by the Bank of England to 4.25% and the newly announced trade agreement between the UK and US may provide additional economic momentum, Bira remains cautious about the ongoing challenges facing independent retailers.

Bira, which works with 6,000 independent businesses across the UK, continues to champion the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers, focusing on revitalising high streets whilst campaigning on crucial issues such as retail crime, business rates and legislation.

For further information on Bira, please click here.