Warm weather boosts retail sales in May
Retail sales climbed in May as the month’s heatwave boosted trade in outdoor and summer goods.
According to the British Retail Consortium and KPMG Retail Sales Monitor, UK total retail sales rose by 3.7% year-on-year against growth of 1% a year earlier.
Subscribe to TRBFood sales increased by 3.9% as people held bank holiday barbecues. Non-food sales were also up, rising by 3.5%, due to strong sales in summer items like sandals and sunglasses. Retailers also benefited from “roaring” trade in fans, lighter bedding and outdoor toys.
However, in-store non-food sales declined by 0.4% as more people shopped online to avoid going out shopping in the heat. Meanwhile, online non-food sales increased by 10.6% in the period.
Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, said: “May’s heatwave drove a surge in outdoor and summer goods. Clothing and footwear returned to growth as shoppers snapped up summer essentials like sandals and sunglasses.
“While the sunshine gave retail a welcome lift, this momentum should not be taken for granted. Household finances remain under pressure, consumer confidence is still fragile, and many retailers continue to face rising costs.
“If Government wants to keep inflation in check and support growth, it must urgently tackle the taxes and levies that are driving up energy bills. Without action, cost pressures will build further, limiting retailers’ ability to invest and pushing prices up for customers.”
