Online sales shine in the heat
Covering the 5 weeks from 31 May – 4 July 2026
- UK Total retail sales increased by 1.9% year on year in June, against a growth of 3.1% in June 2025. This was flat against the 12-month average growth of 1.9%.
- Food sales increased by 2.8% year on year in June, against a growth of 4.1% in June 2025. This was below the 12-month average growth of 3.4%.
- Non-Food sales increased by 1.2% year on year in June, against a growth of 2.2% in June 2025. This was above the 12-month average growth of 0.6%.
- In-Store Non-Food sales decreased by 1.1% year on year in June, against a growth of 2.2% in June 2025. This was below the 12-month average growth of 0.1%.
- Online Non-Food sales increased by 5.1% year on year in June, against a growth of 2.3% in June 2025. This was above the 12-month average growth of 1.5%.
- The online penetration rate (the proportion of Non-Food items bought online) increased to 39.0% in June from 37.7% in June 2025. This was above the 12-month average of 37.9%.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Retail sales maintained momentum despite June’s heatwave. While in-store sales were stifled by soaring temperatures, the proportion of sales online was the highest of 2026, bolstered by well-timed promotions. Electric fans and paddling pools performed well, as people looked to cool off, while the lure of the sunshine meant that gaming and big ticket sales struggled.
“A heatwave doesn’t just change how customers shop – it makes retail operations more challenging, from keeping shelves stocked to keeping products and people cool. These pressures come on top of rising business rates, higher employment taxes and ongoing global uncertainty, all of which are squeezing retailers’ ability to invest, create jobs and keep prices down. With a new government on its way in, a more joined-up approach to policy will be essential if retail is to realise its full potential.”
Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail & leisure, KPMG, said: “Record-breaking temperatures continued from May into June, with retail sales again rising. Demand for fans and air con units helped drive up home appliance sales, with some retailers struggling to restock fast enough, while the men’s football World Cup also brought a boost for home electrical sales and food and drink. As summer holiday season gets set to fully begin, retailers will be looking to build on the increase in clothing sales for both adults and children that was seen during June.”
Sarah Bradbury, CEO, IGD, said: “June’s record-breaking heat, food price inflation easing slightly and the start of the World Cup gave retailers a welcome boost, encouraging more frequent top-up shops. With both the warm weather and football tournament continuing this month, consumer confidence could receive a further uplift. However, looking further ahead, ongoing political uncertainty and the impact of the Middle East conflict starting to filter through to food prices, may weigh on confidence once again.”