Retail sales rose more strongly than expected in June as the summer heatwave and a surge in online shopping encouraged consumers to spend more on seasonal goods, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Retail sales volumes increased by 1 per cent during the month, following a 1.2 per cent rise in May, while sales across the second quarter grew by 0.6 per cent compared with the first three months of the year.

Non-store retailers, which include online businesses, led the growth. The ONS said sales volumes increased after retailers benefited from a combination of warm weather and promotional activity across May and June.

Internet sales values rose across most retail sectors during June and the proportion of all retail spending completed online reached 29.4 per cent, the highest level since April 2021, as shoppers increasingly chose to buy from home during the hot weather.

Non-food retailers also recorded growth, with department stores and computer and telecoms retailers performing particularly well.

The ONS said the strong performance reflected increased demand for summer products, including fans, air conditioning units, outdoor goods and seasonal clothing, with England's progress in the FIFA World Cup also helping to lift consumer spending during the month.

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