DIY was one of the top two beneficiaries of a strong upturn in consumer spending in April, according to the latest report from the Visa Europe UK Expenditure Index.
Hotels, restaurants and bars remained the strongest-performing sector, with spending rising 7.8% on the year, but the household goods category - which comprises furniture, home accessories and DIY - also saw strong growth of 2.8%.

Expenditure rose in the recreation and culture category (+2.1%) and miscellaneous goods and services, which includes hairdressing and jewellery (+1.2%). In contrast, spending at clothing and footwear retailers continued to fall (-1.7%), and it was marginally down in the food and drinks category (-0.9%).

Overall, household spending rose at a solid clip in April - up 2.0% on April 2014 and 0.8% up on March.

Said Visa Europe UK & Ireland managing director Kevin Jenkins: "April was all about going out and sprucing up the home as consumers enjoyed the Easter weekend and a sunny second half of the month. Spend on household goods rose, as did trips to hotels, restaurants and bars.

"Overall spending volumes were 2% higher compared to a year ago, marking the strongest monthly growth rate since Black Friday boosted November's figures.

"The improvements in household spending power could drive growth in consumer spending for several months to come, even as margins and price wars continue to depress total spend on the high street."

Household expenditure increased across all channels in April year on year, but the strongest growth was online, up 4.2%. Mail/telephone order grew 2.6% while face-to-race retail saw a modest upturn in spending of 1.0%.