Retail sales grew again in June as the warm weather and sales promotions were estimated to have helped volumes, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

It is estimated that retail sales volumes grew by 1% in June 2026, following a 1.2% rise in May and a drop of 0.7% in April.

Sales volumes across the second quarter (April to June) rose by 0.6% compared to the previous quarter. The figures are also 2.8% higher compared with the three months to June 2025.

Non-store retailer sales values rose the most at 4.4% in June, thanks to the hot weather and promotions, and also rose 3.8% over three months.

Clothing and footwear saw a volume increase of 1.9% in June, while food stores volumes edged up 3%. 

Department stores and household goods stores saw falls of 1.7% and 0.6% respectively in the month, but both had volume growth in the three months to June.

Online sales values increased 2.8% in June and 14.4% year-on-year.

The amount spent online grew 3.8% in quarter two between April and June compared with the first quarter. Year-on-year, this rose 11.7%.

 

Alvarez & Marsal European retail and consumer lead Erin Brookes said: “June’s retail sales figures point to a strong start to the summer, with the record-breaking heatwave, Wimbledon and FIFA World Cup helping to drive demand across non-food stores and non-store retailers, including clothing.

“Two consecutive months of growth will be an encouraging sign for the sector after a mixed start to the year. While the warm weather and packed sporting calendar have encouraged spending, the challenge for retailers now is sustaining that momentum through the remainder of the summer.

“Despite easing inflation, higher energy bills will add to the squeeze on household budgets in the coming months, while renewed geopolitical uncertainty means retailers cannot rule out further supply chain disruption and cost pressures. 

“With a new prime minister now in place, retailers will also be looking for early signals that the government is prepared to back the sector through reforms that reduce the cost of doing business, including addressing business rates and reducing the cost of employing young people. As consumers remain selective in their spending, retailers will need the confidence to invest, create jobs and continue delivering value.”

Topics