Retail sales in Great Britain rose by 1.2 per cent in May 2026, beating forecasts and reversing April’s decline as hot weather and promotional activity boosted spending on seasonal goods, online purchases and department store sales, according to data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Friday.

The ONS reported that retail sales volumes increased by 1.2 per cent month on month in May, following a revised 1.0 per cent fall in April, while annual growth reached 3.2 per cent. The monthly increase was more than double the 0.5 per cent rise expected by economists surveyed by Reuters.

According to the ONS, sales volumes increased by 0.4 per cent over the three months to May compared with the previous three-month period, driven largely by stronger performance in non-food stores and online retailing. Department store sales volumes rose 2.7 per cent over the three months, marking their strongest increase since September 2024.

Jon Gough, senior statistician at the ONS, said: “Feedback from retailers suggested the hot weather in May helped sales of items such as fans and paddling pools.”

The ONS said non-store retailers, which are predominantly online businesses, recorded a 6.1 per cent monthly increase in sales volumes, the strongest rise since February 2025 and their highest sales level since January 2022. Online spending values rose 3.3 per cent during the month and were 12.2 per cent higher than a year earlier, increasing online’s share of total retail spending from 28.1 per cent in April to 28.8 per cent in May.

Retailers cited demand for outdoor furniture, fans and other warm-weather products following one of the warmest Mays on record. Computer and telecoms retailers continued to benefit from product launches introduced in March, helping sustain growth across the non-food sector.

The figures offer a positive signal for consumer spending after the UK economy contracted in April. However, challenges remain for retailers, with consumer confidence subdued and major supermarket groups reporting slower sales growth in recent weeks.

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