May’s heatwave sent shoppers rushing for sandals, sunglasses and barbecue food, driving a surge in retail sales that far outpaced the average growth of the past year.
Total UK retail sales rose 3.7% year on year in May, according to data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG – well above the 12-month average of 2%. Food sales jumped 3.9% as households lit barbecues during the bank holiday weekend. Non-food sales climbed 3.5%, a sharp acceleration from the 0.7% average growth, with fans, cooler bedding and outdoor toys flying off shelves.
“May heatwave drove UK retail sales up 3.7% year on year, with food and summer essentials surging.”
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “May’s heatwave drove a surge in outdoor and summer goods. Clothing and footwear returned to growth as shoppers snapped up summer essentials like sandals and sunglasses. As temperatures rose, many opted to shop online to avoid the heat, boosting online sales.”
Online sales jumped 10.6% year on year, as shoppers chose to avoid the heat by buying from home.
Separate figures from Barclays showed consumer card spending grew 0.8% in May, reversing April’s 0.1% decline. Consumer confidence in the UK, European and global economies rebounded to levels seen at the start of the year. Concerns about the impact of the Middle East on costs remained high but eased slightly: 83% of consumers were worried about rising energy bills, down from 85%, and 82% about food prices, down from 84%.
Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “The warmer weather and first May bank holiday gave consumers more reasons to spend in May, particularly on seasonal essentials, UK breaks and affordable ways to enjoy time with family and friends. Shoppers are still being careful, with many continuing to build savings and managing subscriptions more closely, but they are also finding room for treats.”
Travel spending fell 5.8%, marking its third consecutive month of decline, as holidaymakers adopted a wait-and-see approach to summer plans.
Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG, noted that the heatwave had also boosted sales of fans and air conditioning units, as well as garden-related purchases. “As we move into the summer season, retailers and hospitality businesses will be hoping the good weather continues and that the World Cup boosts related spending,” she said.