Fri, 25 Jul 2025

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 Hot weather boosted retail sales in June

Supermarkets sold more drinks and fuel sales were up as people "ventured out", the UK statistics body says.
Retail sales rose by 0.9% in June, according to official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The increase was driven by warm weather, which boosted fuel and supermarket sales. Supermarkets saw an increase in drink purchases and clothing sales benefited from promotions and the hot weather. However, the rebound in sales was smaller than many economists had forecasted. Sales in food stores rose 0.7% in June, while fuel sales increased by 2.8%. Despite this, overall retail spending has lost momentum, with sales up just 0.2% between April and June compared to the previous three months. A separate survey suggests that consumer confidence is weaker than a year ago, which could impact economic growth. The ONS said that England had its warmest June on record, with consumers venturing out in the sunshine.
  >>