UK consumers spend more on beer and online shopping during World Cup and heatwave
11 reported
According to a single-source report from The Guardian, UK consumers increased spending on beer and online shopping in June 2026, driven by the World Cup and a heatwave. Barclays Bank data based on debit and credit card transactions showed spending rose 1.9% year on year, below the 3% consumer inflation rate but up from 0.8% in May. Pubs saw the biggest boost, with England’s group stage victory over Panama being the busiest day of 2026 so far, with takings five times higher than the daily average. The heatwave also prompted consumers to buy clothing and shop online, with non-food online sales jumping 5.1% compared to last June. The British Beer and Pub Association predicted the semi-final against Argentina would lead to an extra 6 million pints poured, a bigger increase than on New Year’s Eve. The Night Time Industries Association forecast an increase of up to £80 million for the sector from the semi-final.
What’s reported
Spending increased by 1.9% year on year in June 2026, below the 3% consumer inflation rate but up from 0.8% in May.
England’s group stage victory over Panama was the busiest day of 2026 so far, with pub takings five times higher than the daily average.
England’s draw with Ghana resulted in a 244% year-on-year increase in pub card spending.
The round of 16 victory over Mexico registered a 201.5% increase in pub spending.
Dojo card payments data showed a 23% increase in takings for England’s quarter-final win over Norway compared with the previous Saturday.
Southampton saw full-day pub sales almost double compared with the week before; Newcastle upon Tyne saw only an 11% increase.
The British Beer and Pub Association predicted the semi-final would lead to an extra 6 million pints poured.
The Night Time Industries Association forecast an increase of up to £80 million for the sector from the semi-final.
Clothing sales increased 2.4% due to the heatwave; department store sales rose 9.7%.
Non-food sales in shops declined 1.1% compared with last June, while online non-food sales jumped 5.1%.
The online penetration rate for non-food items climbed to 39% from 37.7% in June last year.
Key figures
Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive
Sources: The Guardian
