UK retail sales rose 1% in June from the previous month as warm weather and sales promotions encouraged spending, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The increase followed a 1.2% rise in May. Retail sales volumes were up 0.6% in the second quarter compared with the first quarter and 4.2% higher than a year earlier.
The ONS said retailers reported that sales promotions and warmer weather increased demand, particularly for non-store retailers and clothing stores. Non-store retailers benefited from stronger sales of outdoor products, sports merchandise, clothing, fans and air conditioning. Clothing store sales rose 1.9% in June, their largest monthly increase since September 2025.
Non-food store sales increased 1.2% over the second quarter, supported by stronger sales at furniture retailers, computer and telecoms stores and department stores. Fuel sales remained weak as motorists made fewer journeys and delayed filling up amid higher prices.
Online spending values rose 2.8% in June, and online sales accounted for 29.4% of total retail spending, the highest proportion since April 2021.
Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said: “Make no mistake, it’s been a tough few years for retailers dealing with a cost-of-living crisis that sapped consumer confidence (and their spare pennies) and increased costs from both domestic tax policies and a myriad of external factors including tariffs and shipping snarl-ups.
“The jump in retail sales over the month of June, and the second quarter as a whole, will be bittersweet for many businesses as they were fuelled in part by some significant discounting.”
