Retail sales hot up in May
Covering the 4 weeks from 3 – 30 May 2026
- UK Total retail sales increased by 3.7% year on year in May, against a growth of 1.0% in May 2025. This was above the 12-month average growth of 2.0%.
- Food sales increased by 3.9% year on year in May, against a growth of 3.6% in May 2025. This was above the 12-month average growth of 3.5%.
- Non-Food sales increased by 3.5% year on year in May, against a decline of 1.1% in May 2025. This was above the 12-month average growth of 0.7%.
- In-Store Non-Food sales decreased by 0.4% year on year in May, against a decline of 0.9% in May 2025. This was below the 12-month average growth of 0.4%.
- Online Non-Food sales increased by 10.6% year on year in May, against a decline of 1.5% in May 2025. This was above the 12-month average growth of 1.2%.
- The online penetration rate (the proportion of Non-Food items bought online) increased to 38.0% in May from 36.0% in May 2025. This was above the 12-month average of 37.7%.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive at the British Retail Consortium, 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. There was also roaring trade in fans, lighter bedding, and outdoor toys, and food sales were lifted by bank holiday barbecues. As temperatures rose, many opted to shop online to avoid the heat, boosting online sales.”
“While the sunshine gave retail a welcome lift, this momentum should not be taken for granted. Household finances remain under pressure, consumer confidence is still fragile, and many retailers continue to face rising costs. If Government wants to keep inflation in check and support growth, it must urgently tackle the taxes and levies that are driving up energy bills. Without action, cost pressures will build further, limiting retailers’ ability to invest and pushing prices up for customers.”
Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail & leisure, KPMG, said: “The late Spring heatwave brought record temperatures in May and also heated up retail sales growth.
“Clothing and footwear sales grew – some for the first time since the January sales. Hot days and nights increased fans and air con unit buying, while food and drink sales were up, as were garden related purchases.
“As we move into summer season, retailers and hospitality businesses will be hoping the good weather continues and that the World Cup boosts related spending. Getting new items into the suitcases of holidaymakers is also now key to the summer performance of many retailers.”
Food & Drink sector performance | Sarah Bradbury, CEO, IGD, said: “The late May bank holiday heatwave boosted shopper activity, driving sales growth in the final week of the month. With forecasts pointing to further heatwaves due to El Niño and the added momentum of the upcoming World Cup, food and drink retail performance may benefit from improved shopper sentiment in the coming months.
“However, the outlook beyond summer is more uncertain due to rises in the energy price cap from July and the risk of further increases later in the year, alongside effects of the Middle East conflict expected to drive up food inflation, both risking a downturn in shopper confidence.”