UK Retail Sales Rise 1% in June as Warm Weather Boosts Spending
UK retail sales volumes increased by 1% in June 2026, according to figures published by the Office for National Statistics.
The result followed a 1.2% rise in May and was significantly stronger than economists’ expectations. Analysts had forecast a monthly decline of 0.3%.
Warm Weather and Promotions Support Sales
Retailers said discount campaigns and unusually warm weather helped drive sales during June.
Demand increased for outdoor products, electric fans, air-conditioning units and sports merchandise.
The Met Office reported that June 2026 was the second-warmest June on record, encouraging consumers to spend more on seasonal products.
Retail Sales Grow During the Second Quarter
Retail sales volumes increased by 0.6% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the previous three-month period.
Sales were also 2.8% higher than during the three months ending in June 2025.
The figures suggest that consumer activity remained resilient during the first half of the year, although some economists warned that weather-related spending may be temporary.
Online and Non-Store Retailers Perform Strongly
Non-store retailers, including online sellers and market stalls, recorded strong growth during May and June.
Consumers spent more on outdoor goods, clothing, fans and sports-related products.
Online spending values increased by 3.8% during the second quarter compared with the first quarter. They were also 11.7% higher than during the same period in 2025.
In June alone, online sales values rose by 2.8% month over month.
Online Sales Reach Highest Share Since 2021
Online purchases accounted for 29.4% of total retail sales in June, up from 28.9% in May.
This was the highest proportion recorded since April 2021.
The increase highlights the continued importance of online shopping within the UK retail market, even as consumers returned to physical stores after the pandemic.
Clothing Sales Record Strong Monthly Increase
Clothing store sales rose by 1.9% in June, marking their strongest monthly increase since September 2025.
Retailers once again linked the improvement to promotional activity and warm weather.
Higher temperatures encouraged consumers to purchase seasonal clothing and other summer-related products.
Non-Food Stores Report Quarterly Growth
Sales volumes at non-food stores increased by 1.2% during the second quarter.
Furniture retailers recorded growth in all three months of the quarter.
Computer and telecommunications stores also reported stronger sales. Retailers said demand remained elevated following several product launches in March 2026.
Department stores benefited from a particularly strong performance in May, supported by demand for fans and paddling pools.
Economists Warn Growth May Be Temporary
Capital Economics said part of the improvement was likely caused by temporary factors, including unusually warm weather.
The research firm expects consumer spending to remain broadly unchanged over the coming quarters despite the stronger June figures.
This suggests the latest rise may not signal a lasting acceleration in household demand.
Fuel Sales Decline During the Quarter
Automotive fuel sales fell during the second quarter compared with the first three months of the year.
Retailers said many motorists had purchased extra fuel in March because of concerns linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Fuel sales then dropped sharply in April as higher prices encouraged drivers to delay refilling their vehicles.
Sales remained below February 2026 levels throughout the second quarter.
Retail Sales Remain Above Previous-Year Levels
Compared with June 2025, UK retail sales volumes were 4.2% higher.
Sales were also 0.9% above the level recorded in February 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting consumer activity.
Although the June figures exceeded expectations, the longer-term retail outlook will depend on household income, inflation and whether consumers continue spending once the effects of warm weather and promotions fade.
