Retail sales in Great Britain rebounded in May, driven by record hot weather that boosted demand for fans and paddling pools, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Sales volumes rose 1.2% month-on-month, the strongest growth since January, surpassing analysts' forecast of 0.5%.
The ONS reported that non-store retailing, primarily online, saw a 6.1% monthly surge, the largest since February 2025. Department stores recorded a 2.5% increase, while household goods stores rose 3.2%. Retailers cited the UK's hottest May day on record and promotions as key drivers, with Shopify data showing a 750% jump in fan sales and a 500% rise in pool loungers.
Computers and telecoms retailers benefited from new product launches, including smartphones and iPads. However, supermarkets saw a 0.4% decline in sales volumes. Year-on-year, total sales volumes increased by 3.2%.
Despite the positive data, analysts caution against interpreting the figures as a sustained recovery. Hai-Ly Nguyen of McKinsey described the growth as a "heat-driven spike," while Rajeev Shaunak of MHA noted that consumer confidence remains low, with families still concerned about finances and the wider economy.
