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Warm May weather provided a “welcome boost” to retail sales, with total volume of sales, which measures the quantity bought, rising by 1.2% last month, according to new figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It compared with a decline of 1% in April, which was revised from a 1.3% fall in its previous estimate.
The latest monthly increase was stronger than expected, with analysts having pointed to a 0.5% rise for May.
Economists linked May’s strong performance to hotter weather during the month.
Clothing and footwear stores reported a 0.3% growth, while sales volumes across non-store retailers, which predominantly consist of online retailers, rose by 6.1% for the month, representing the sharpest increase since February 2025.
The ONS said the weather and discounting activity also boosted UK department stores, which reported a 2.5% increase.
Official data also showed that retail sales were up 0.4% for the three months to May, with the decline in April offsetting growth in both March and May.
Jacqueline Windsor, head of retail at PwC UK, commented on the results: “At face value, retail sales surprised on the upside in May.
“However, last month benefited from both a weak comparable period, with May 2025 seeing a decline in sales as shoppers brought forward their spring purchases following an unusually warm March and April; and the heatwave coinciding with the bank holiday and half-term towards the end of the month, which helped the sales of everything from barbecue foods and summer fashions, to fans and paddling pools.
“The high street itself did not benefit, though, with footfall declining and online retailers reaping the rewards.”
Commenting on today’s ONS retail sales figures, Oliver Vernon-Harcourt, head of retail at Deloitte UK, added that “brighter times may lie ahead”, with the results signalling “a relief to retailers”.
“With some resilience in households’ personal finances, the end of geopolitical tensions and World Cup fever kicking in, we could see spending continuing to improve. Consumers may start enjoying more seasonal splurges including in the more discretionary categories,” he added.
However, Harvir Dhillon, Economist at the British Retail Consortium, also pointed out that retailers continue to face significant challenges. “Household budgets remain stretched, consumer confidence is fragile, and operating costs are rising.
“To support growth and help keep inflation under control, Government must address the taxes and levies that are increasing energy costs for businesses. Without intervention, mounting cost pressures will make it harder for retailers to invest, grow and keep prices affordable for customers,” he added.