UK retail sales rebounded in May as department stores and online retailers benefited from hot weather, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The total volume of retail sales, measuring quantity bought, rose by 1.2% last month, surpassing analyst predictions of a 0.5% increase.
Monthly Performance
This follows a revised decline of 1% in April, which was previously estimated at 1.3%. The May growth was stronger than expected, with economists attributing the performance to warmer weather during the month. Retailers reported higher sales of outdoor furniture and fans due to weather conditions and promotional activities.
Online and Department Store Gains
Sales volumes for non-store retailers, primarily online, surged 6.1% in May, the sharpest increase since February 2025. Department stores also saw a 2.5% rise, aided by weather and discounting. Household goods retailers posted a 3.2% increase, while clothing and footwear shops grew by 0.3%.
Food Retailers Decline
However, food retailers continued to struggle, with volumes falling 0.4% month-on-month. Over the three months to May, retail sales were up 0.4%, as the April decline offset growth in March and May.
Expert Comments
ONS senior statistician Jon Gough said: “Retail sales continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace, in the most recent three months, with department stores doing especially well. Feedback from retailers suggested the hot weather in May helped sales of items such as fans and paddling pools.”
Jacqueline Windsor, head of retail at PwC UK, added: “At face value, retail sales surprised on the upside in May. However, last month benefited from both a weak comparable period and the heatwave coinciding with the bank holiday and half-term. The high street itself did not benefit, though, with footfall declining and online retailers reaping the rewards.”
