Make the most of Easter – 5 simple tips for independent retailers to grow sales

Easter is a key seasonal moment in the UK retail calendar, bringing a noticeable increase in high street activity as shoppers prepare for the long bank holiday weekend. For independent retailers, a few simple strategies can help capture more of this seasonal spending.

Easter is often one of the first major retail events of the year after the quieter winter period. As spring begins and households prepare for gatherings, shoppers typically purchase food, gifts, decorations and small treats to mark the occasion.

Importantly for independent retailers, the period leading up to the Easter bank holiday often brings increased footfall to town centres. Many shoppers prefer to browse in person for seasonal items, especially when preparing for family meals, organising children’s activities or picking up last-minute gifts.

At the same time, consumer expectations are shifting towards experiences and products that help create a sense of occasion; from seasonal home décor to activity-based purchases for children and families.

This combination of seasonal demand and changing shopping behaviour means independent retailers are well placed to benefit from Easter trading.

Easter spending continues to drive retail activity

Easter generates significant consumer spending across the UK each year. In 2024, retail spending linked to Easter celebrations was estimated to reach around £1.3bn, reflecting steady growth compared with previous years.

More recent industry forecasts suggest that UK shoppers spent around £2.3bn over the Easter weekend, highlighting the scale of the seasonal opportunity for retailers.

Spending is typically spread across multiple retail categories. Food and drink account for the majority of purchases, making up more than 70% of Easter shopping budgets, but gifts, decorations, activity kits and seasonal products also contribute significantly to baskets.

Footfall data also highlights the importance of the period for bricks-and-mortar retailers. High street visits in the week leading up to Easter have risen by more than 15% year-on-year, while Good Friday alone has delivered footfall increases of over 40% compared with the previous week.¹

For independent retailers, this seasonal uplift is particularly valuable. Shoppers often seek out convenient, local options when preparing for the long weekend, and many prefer to buy seasonal items in person rather than online.

Supporting local retail: Bira’s ‘Love Your High Street’ campaign

Bira’s Love Your High Street campaign encourages consumers to shop locally during key retail moments such as Easter.

The initiative highlights the value independent retailers bring to their communities and supports businesses with themed campaigns tied to seasonal occasions throughout the year. Retailers are encouraged to share promotions, displays and product ideas on social media using #LoveYourHighStreet, helping increase visibility for local shopping options.

The Love Your High Street Easter campaign is designed to help retailers encourage shoppers onto the high street and into stores over the 3rd - 6th April.

The campaign builds towards Love Your High Street Week, taking place 9–15 November 2026, which celebrates independent retail nationwide.

Love Your High Street this Easter

We're making it easy for both shoppers and businesses to take part in the LYHS campaigns.

Download the official assets and start spreading the word. Share your local finds and make sure to tag Bira with #LoveYourHighStreet.

Get involved

5 practical ways independent retailers can make the most of Easter

1. Bring spring into your window display

After a long winter, and often a fairly grey start to the year, Easter tends to coincide with the first real signs of spring. Even when the weather hasn’t been great early in the year, the Easter period often marks a turning point.

Updating your window display with bright colours, seasonal decorations, or spring-themed products can create an optimistic, seasonal feel that encourages passers-by to stop and browse. It also signals clearly that your store has Easter-relevant products available.

2. Merchandise products for Easter activities

Many families plan Easter activities such as egg hunts, crafting sessions or small gatherings at home. Creating a simple in-store display around these activities can make it easier for customers to find what they need.

Grouping together items such as small gifts, children’s toys, decorations or seasonal treats can encourage additional purchases while helping shoppers quickly prepare for the occasion.

3. Highlight products for outdoor living

Easter often arrives just as people start spending more time outdoors after the winter months. If the weather improves, customers may begin thinking about gardens, outdoor dining or spring home updates.

Retailers can take advantage of this shift by highlighting products suited to outdoor entertaining, gardening, picnics or spring home refreshes, even if these items aren’t traditionally associated with Easter itself.

4. Offer ‘ready-to-go’ seasonal gifts

Easter gifting doesn’t need to be limited to chocolate. Small homeware items, toys, crafts, books or novelty gifts can all work well during the season.

Creating a simple “Easter gifts” display or a few ready-made gift bundles can help shoppers quickly find something suitable for children, family members or hosts during the long weekend.

5. Promote your bank holiday opening hours

Bank holiday weekends can change shopping habits, with customers often visiting the high street at different times or making more spontaneous trips out.

Sharing your opening hours clearly on social media, email or in-store signage helps ensure customers know when you’re open. Pairing this with a quick seasonal promotion or product highlight can provide an extra reminder to shop locally.

A seasonal opportunity for independent retailers

Easter offers independent retailers a useful opportunity to boost early-year sales and reconnect with customers after the winter period. Increased footfall, seasonal spending and the arrival of spring all help create favourable conditions for high street businesses.

By focusing on seasonal displays, activity-based products and simple promotions, independent retailers can maximise Easter trading while building habits that work equally well for other occasions throughout the year.

Help your community Love Your High Street this Easter

Love Your High Street is designed to help you encourage shoppers onto your high street and into your stores.

Get involved today by sharing the #LoveYourHighStreet message and encourage our communities to shop locally this Easter and all year round!