The lockdown system has been simplified and the reopening of non-essential stores has helped boost retail sales last month as a result of rising costs on clothing.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retail sales rose 9.2% in April, while clothing sales rose nearly 70% compared to March.
Although online sales declined, overall sales were 10% higher than the pre-epidemic level.
Economist Paul Dales called the increase in clothing sales "surprising."
The UK's chief economist at Capital Economics said the April data "showed that families were particularly interested in updating their wardrobes".
Further evidence of a return to the UK economy came from a separate survey, an IHS / Market Buying Managers Index, which said private business activity expanded rapidly in May over more than two decades.
'Paint-up demand'
Retailers such as clothing and furniture stores, which the government deemed unnecessary, reopened to shoppers in England on 12 April after closing in early January.
Aled Jones, head of retail at Lloyds Bank, said: "Fashion retailers were the ultimate beneficiaries of [exploded] beer gardens and the 'rule of six' was coming back out of the night."
Sylvia Rindon, retail leader in the UK and Ireland, said April saw "significant paint-up consumer demand".
"We've seen sales growth in most segments as consumers are eager to return to the in-store shopping experience and engage in retail therapy."
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