Retail sales boosted by warm weather in June

Retail sales bounced back in June as the warmer weather boosted sales of drinks, clothing and car fuel.

Sales volumes rose by 0.9% in the month following a drop of 2.8% in May.

Food stores sales volumes edged up 0.7%, with the uplift mainly due to improved sales in supermarkets, as some retailers reported stronger trading in drinks in the warm weather.

Non-food store sales volumes rose marginally by 0.2% as department stores and clothing retailers also benefited from the summer heat. These uplifts were partly offset by falls in household goods stores where retailers said they were impacted by lower footfall.

Meanwhile, sales volumes rose by 1.7% year-on-year in June 2025.

Hannah, Finselbach, senior statistician at the ONS, said: “Following a poor May, it was an improved month for retail sales with growth across all main sectors.

“The warm weather in June helped to brighten sales, with supermarket retailers reporting stronger trading and an increase in drink purchases.

“It was also a good month for fuel sales as consumers ventured out and about in the sunshine.

“Looking at broader trends, retail sales are up slightly across the latest quarter, but are down when compared to pre-pandemic levels.”