UK retail sales rose 1.2% in May, boosted by hot weather and online promotions
13 reported
Retail sales in Great Britain grew 1.2% in May compared with April, the strongest monthly rate since January, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The increase, more than double the 0.5% forecast by analysts, followed a revised 1% month-on-month decline in April. The ONS attributed the bounce to record hot weather, which spurred sales of fans and paddling pools, and strong online performance driven by promotions. Non-store retailing, primarily online, saw a 6.1% monthly sales surge, the biggest since February 2025. Department stores reported a 2.5% monthly increase, and household goods stores saw a 3.2% rise. Supermarkets were the only sector with a significant decline, as sales volumes fell 0.4% month on month. Overall, sales volumes rose 3.2% in the year to the end of May compared with the same period in 2025.
What’s reported
Retail sales volume in Great Britain grew 1.2% in May compared with April, the strongest monthly rate since January.
The increase was more than double the 0.5% growth forecast by analysts.
April sales were revised to a 1% month-on-month fall, from an originally reported 1.3% decline.
March sales were revised upward from 0.6% to 0.7%.
ONS senior statistician Jon Gough said retailers reported hot weather helped sales of fans and paddling pools.
Non-store retailing (primarily online) sales soared 6.1% compared with April, the biggest monthly rise since February 2025.
Department store sales rose 2.5% month on month, with a quarterly increase of 2.7%, the biggest since September 2024.
Household goods stores reported sales up 3.2% month on month.
Shopify data showed sales of desk and pedestal fans soared 750% in May compared with April.
Other warm-weather product sales: pool loungers up 500%, outdoor umbrellas up 70%, paddleboards/surfboards/kayaks increased.
Supermarket sales volumes fell 0.4% month on month in May.
Overall sales volumes rose 3.2% in the year to the end of May compared with the same period in 2025.
A World Cup boost at the end of May saw Shopify record an almost doubling in month-on-month sales of football shirts and strong increases in boots, televisions, and disposable cups.
Key figures
Jon Gough, senior statistician at the Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Hai-Ly Nguyen, associate partner at McKinsey & Company
Rajeev Shaunak, head of consumer at the accountancy firm MHA
Sources: The Guardian
