Sunshine helped the high street claw back ground last month with Brits splurging on drinks and days out.
Retail sales were up 0.9 per cent in June, following a grim 2.8 per cent tumble in May.
Electric fans were said to have been a popular purchase, and drivers fueled up for trips in the summer weather. A packed sports schedule was also credited with boosting activity.
However, the rebound was less pronounced than analysts expected, and sales volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Shops are raising concerns that confidence is ebbing after Labour’s massive Budget tax raid.
ONS Senior Statistician Hannah Finselbach said: ‘Following a poor May, it was an improved month for retail sales with growth across all main sectors.
Sunshine helped the high street claw back ground last month with Brits splurging on drinks and days out (pictured, Southend on June 19)
Retail sales were up 0.9 per cent in June, following a grim 2.8 per cent tumble in May
Electric fans were said to have been a popular purchase, and drivers fueled up for trips in the summer weather
‘The warm weather in June helped to brighten sales, with supermarket retailers reporting stronger trading and an increase in drink purchases.
‘It was also a good month for fuel sales as consumers ventured out and about in the sunshine.
‘Looking at broader trends, retail sales are up slightly across the latest quarter, but are down when compared with pre-pandemic levels.’
Dr Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British Retail Consortium, said:
‘June was a good month for much of UK retail, as the warm, sunny weather got people spending.
‘Electric fans sold well last month as people scrambled to cool down their homes.
‘Sales of food and drink also performed well, and while this was in part driven by rising inflation, the warmer weather and packed sports schedule also encouraged more social gatherings.
‘Unfortunately, with BRC data showing consumer confidence tumbled in July, sales performance over the rest of the summer is at risk.
‘Retailers are currently grappling with £7billion of extra costs as a result of last year’s Budget.
‘Even this month’s sales uplift can only go so far. If the Chancellor heaps further taxes on the industry at the upcoming Budget, then retailers will face little choice but to raise prices or reduce investment in shops and jobs.’
