Online shopping led the way during the last heatwave, as soaring temperatures kept customers off the high streets.
Total sales increased just 1.9% year on year in June, compared to a 3.1% jump for the same period in 2025 and flat against the 12-month average growth of 1.9%, according to data from the most recent BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor.
Sales growth was driven by a 5.1% increase in online non-food spending during the period – well above the 12-month average increase of 1.5% and ahead of the 2.3% growth for the same period in the previous year.
Food sales jumped 2.8% year over year in June, compared to 4.1% growth in 2025 and below the 3.4% 12-month average growth.
Non-food sales jumped 1.2%, while in-store food sales fell 1.1% due to the heat.
Online penetration in the period increased to 39% in the period, compared to 37.7% in the previous year.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said that soaring temperatures “stifled” sales in June and called on incoming British prime minister Andy Burnham’s new government to have a more “joined-up approach to policy” to help retail succeed.
“Retail sales maintained momentum despite June’s heatwave. While in-store sales were stifled by soaring temperatures, the proportion of sales online was the highest of 2026, bolstered by well-timed promotions. Electric fans and paddling pools performed well, as people looked to cool off, while the lure of the sunshine meant that gaming and big-ticket sales struggled.
“A heatwave doesn’t just change how customers shop – it makes retail operations more challenging, from keeping shelves stocked to keeping products and people cool. These pressures come on top of rising business rates, higher employment taxes and ongoing global uncertainty, all of which are squeezing retailers’ ability to invest, create jobs and keep prices down. With a new government on its way in, a more joined-up approach to policy will be essential if retail is to realise its full potential.”
KPMG’s UK head of consumer, retail and leisure Linda Ellett said: “Record-breaking temperatures continued from May into June, with retail sales again rising. Demand for fans and air con units helped drive up home appliance sales, with some retailers struggling to restock fast enough, while the men’s football World Cup also brought a boost for home electrical sales and food and drink. As the summer holiday season gets set to fully begin, retailers will be looking to build on the increase in clothing sales for both adults and children that was seen during June.”
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