Heatwave drives jump in retail sales in May

UK total retail sales jumped 3.7% year-on-year in May, compared to 1% growth in 2025 and above the 12-month average growth of 2%.

Food sales jumped 3.9% in the period, compared to 3.6% growth in May 2025, also above the 12-month average of 2.5%.

Non-food sales in May jumped 3.5%, compared to a 0.9% decline for the corresponding month in 2025, while in-store non-food sales dropped 0.4% during the period.

Online non-food sales increased by 10.6% in May, against a decline of 1.5% the previous year, while the online penetration rate increased to 38% in May from 36%.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “May’s heatwave drove a surge in outdoor and summer goods. Clothing and footwear returned to growth as shoppers snapped up summer essentials like sandals and sunglasses. There was also roaring trade in fans, lighter bedding, and outdoor toys, and food sales were lifted by bank holiday barbecues. As temperatures rose, many opted to shop online to avoid the heat, boosting online sales.

“While the sunshine gave retail a welcome lift, this momentum should not be taken for granted. Household finances remain under pressure, consumer confidence is still fragile, and many retailers continue to face rising costs. If government wants to keep inflation in check and support growth, it must urgently tackle the taxes and levies that are driving up energy bills. Without action, cost pressures will build further, limiting retailers’ ability to invest and pushing prices up for customers.”