Hot weather, summer discounting, and a rebound in online shopping helped lift UK retail sales in June, according to official figures.
Sales volume rises unexpectedly
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the total volume of retail sales, which measures the quantity bought, increased by 1% in June. This followed a 1.2% rise in May, which was unchanged from a previous estimate.
The increase was unexpected for most economists, who had predicted a 0.1% monthly decline.
Drivers of growth
Retailers suggested that June's hot spell and more sales promotions helped boost shopping in clothing stores and online. The ONS also noted higher sports sales and an increase in alcohol and tobacco sales amid the early matches of the Fifa World Cup.
Between April and June, retail sales are estimated to have risen by 0.6% compared with the first three months of the year.
Online shopping at five-year high
ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach said: “Internet retailers did especially well, with businesses telling us that this was because of promotions and the warm weather, with strong demand in June for outdoor products, air conditioning and clothing.”
She added: “Sports merchandise also sold well online. With internet retailers faring well, the proportion of online sales has risen to its highest since spring 2021 when coronavirus restrictions were ending.”
