UK Online Retail Hits 5-Year High as June Sales Rise 1% in Record Heat

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 24

Online sales took their biggest share of Great Britain’s retail spending since spring 2021 in June, as record heat lifted demand for air conditioners, outdoor goods and clothing.
ONS data showed total retail sales volume rose 1% month on month and 4.2% year on year, far above forecasts for a 0.3% monthly fall and 2.3% annual growth, with World Cup spending also helping.
Non-store retailers led the gains with sales up 4.4% in June, while clothing and footwear rose 1.9%; department stores fell 1.7% after May’s fan-and-paddling-pool boost, and household goods slipped 0.6%.
Two hot months helped retail sales grow 0.6% over the three months to June versus the previous quarter, reversing some weakness after April’s revised 0.7% fall.
Retailers still face risks from a higher energy price cap, elevated interest rates and Middle East-driven inflation, while July data may show how consumers react to Burnham’s cost-of-living policies.