London, United Kingdom. British retailers reported the broadest year-on-year decline in sales in more than 40 years in April, as the Iran war raised households’ inflation fears, according to a survey from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
CBI sales volume measure hits lowest level on record
The CBI’s monthly retail sales volume measure fell to -68 in April from -52 in March, its lowest reading since the series began in 1983. The survey found that 77% of firms reported sales were down compared with a year ago, while 9% reported an increase.
The CBI said some retailers reported weak consumer confidence was weighing on spending in April.
May outlook worsens
Retailers’ expectations for May also weakened, with the outlook measure dropping to -60 from -49, the lowest since March 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CBI economist Martin Sartorius said that as the economic impact of the Iran conflict became clearer, firms would look to the government to recognise that easing cost of living pressures depends on tackling the cost of doing business.
CBI urges government action on costs
The CBI called on the government to prevent new employee rights legislation from increasing employers’ costs too much, reduce property taxes and lower electricity bills.
Survey details and wider indicators
The survey was based on responses from 61 retail chains collected between March 26 and April 14.
The decline in the CBI figure was steeper than in other data since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for oil exports.
Britain’s longest-running consumer confidence survey from GfK fell to its lowest level since October 2023 this month, while a CBI survey of manufacturers showed the lowest optimism since the start of the COVID pandemic.
Seasonal sales assessment shows smaller drop
A related measure asking retailers whether sales were good, bad or normal for the time of year fell to -32 in April from -23 in March, and was last lower in June 2025.
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