UK retail sales grew in June as warm weather encouraged shoppers to buy summer products, helping retailers record steady growth despite continued pressure on household finances.
Total retail sales increased by 1.9% year on year during the five weeks to 4 July, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The increase matched the 12-month average, while online non-food sales rose by 5.1%, reflecting continued growth in digital shopping.
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Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said June brought “steady growth” as consumers responded to higher temperatures by buying seasonal products. She said demand was strongest for “electric fans, summer clothing and outdoor leisure equipment”, while health and beauty products also performed well.
Online shopping continues to grow
Online retail was the strongest-performing sales channel during the month.
Non-food online sales increased by 5.1% compared with the same period last year. Online purchases also accounted for 39% of all non-food sales, up from 37.7% a year earlier.
At the same time, non-food sales in physical stores fell by 1.1%, suggesting many shoppers chose the convenience of buying online during the hot weather.
Separate data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) also showed retail sales volumes increased by 1% in June compared with May. The ONS said warmer weather and seasonal promotions encouraged consumers to spend more on clothing, outdoor products and cooling equipment.
Summer products drive demand
Seasonal goods were among the best-performing retail categories.
Food sales increased by 2.8% year on year, while non-food sales rose by 1.2%, both supported by demand for products linked to the warmer weather.
Dickinson said shoppers were buying “seasonal essentials”, with sales of fans, summer clothing and outdoor leisure products performing particularly well. Health and beauty products also benefited as consumers adapted to the hotter conditions.
Official data also showed stronger sales at furniture stores, department stores and technology retailers, helped by promotional offers and increased demand for seasonal products.
Retailers remain cautious
Despite the stronger June performance, retailers say trading conditions remain challenging.
Dickinson warned that “consumer confidence remains fragile” as many households continue to face higher living costs. She said retailers are working to keep prices competitive while managing rising operating costs.
The June figures broadly reflect the wider improvement seen in official retail data, which showed stronger sales across several sectors during the month. However, economists continue to warn that higher household bills and wider economic uncertainty could limit consumer spending in the months ahead.
For retailers, June offered welcome signs of resilience. Strong demand for seasonal products and continued growth in online shopping helped support sales, but the sector remains cautious as it prepares for the second half of the year.
