By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Retail sales grew by 5.1% year on year in April 2025, according to data released by Statistics South Africa on Wednesday.
Sales of textiles, clothing, footwear, and leather goods grew the most, by 12.5 percent annually in April followed by household furniture, appliances, and equipment, with a 9.2 percent rise. Meanwhile, sales of hardware, paint, and glass were 8.1 percent lower.
On a monthly basis, retail sales recovered 0.9 percent in April versus a 0.3 percent decrease in the prior month.This followed month-on-month changes of -0,3% in March 2025 and -1,1% in February 2025.
Retail trade sales increased by 3,4% in the three months ended April 2025 compared with the three months ended April 2024.
The largest positive contributors to this increase were retailers in textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods (10,5% and contributing 1,6 percentage points); and general dealers (2,8% and contributing 1,3 percentage points).
The latest numbers are said to suggest that the South African consumer remains resilient and willing to spend.
The rand edged up in early trade on Wednesday ahead of the release of domestic inflation and retail sales data.
The risk sensitive currency fell more than 1% on Tuesday as hostilities between Israel and Iran led investors towards safe assets, dulling the appeal of the local currency.
Economists polled by Reuters estimated inflation to have remained steady 2.8% in May, while retail sales were expected to have increased 3.1% in April.
South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond was little changed in early deals, with the yield down 0.5 basis points to 10.105%.