What's happened
Retail volumes have risen in May as hot weather and promotions boosted demand. Online sales and department stores led the gain, while food retailers fell. The three-month trend remains mixed amid shifting consumer behavior.
What's behind the headline?
Key Takeaways
- May has seen a stronger-than-expected bounce in UK retail volumes, driven by weather and online shopping.
- Department stores and household goods reported gains, while food sales declined month-on-month.
- The three-month trend shows continued growth but at a slower pace, suggesting a cautious consumer.
Drivers and Implications
- Warmer weather has boosted demand for fans and paddling pools; promotions have supported online channels.
- The high street’s performance remains uneven as footfall falls while online sales rise.
- The data point to a resilient consumer yet with softened momentum ahead of upcoming summer events.
How we got here
ONS data show May’s 1.2% rise follows April’s 1.0% drop (revised). Weather and discounting boosted sales of outdoor items; online retailers surged. Analysts note the comparison base, summer holidays, and promotions as drivers.
Our analysis
Independent Business quotes ONS statistician Jon Gough and PwC UK’s Jacqueline Windsor, while Reuters reports the May rise and notes year-on-year gains. The consensus attributes the pickup to weather, promotions, and online sales, with a caveat on a weaker high street.
Go deeper
- What does this mean for inflation forecasts?
- Will the online vs. bricks-and-mortar split persist into the summer?
- How will consumer confidence data affect retail planning?
More on these topics
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Office for National Statistics
The Office for National Statistics is the executive office of the UK Statistics Authority, a non-ministerial department which reports directly to the UK Parliament.