UK retail sales rise 1.2% in May, beating forecasts

Retail sales in the United Kingdom rebounded strongly in May, rising by 1.2 percent and significantly exceeding economists' expectations, according to official data released on Friday. The increase, reported by the Office for National Statistics, followed a revised 1.0 percent decline in April and marked the sharpest monthly growth since January.

The performance was much stronger than the 0.5 percent rise forecast by analysts. On an annual basis, sales volumes were 3.2 percent higher in May compared to the same month last year. Officials and retailers attributed the surge primarily to unusually hot weather and promotional activity during the month, which drove purchases of seasonal items like outdoor furniture, paddling pools, and fans.

Department stores and household goods retailers performed particularly well, with volumes rising 2.5 percent and 3.2 percent respectively for the month. Sales at non-store retailers, predominantly online, jumped 6.1 percent, the largest monthly increase since February 2025. However, food store sales continued to struggle, declining by 0.4 percent as grocery volumes remained under pressure.

The data suggests a degree of resilience among consumers...