Office for National Statistics reports rise in retail sales

Sales have increased as the weather has improved, following a lacklustre performance during April. Inclement weather so far this year has combined with cost of living challenges for many to curb spending, particulalry on seasonal goods.

Retail sales rose by 2.9% in May, beating analysts’ forecasts. Improved footfall, better weather and an abundance of consumer deals deals helped create a resurgence in in-store shopping, according to the Office for National Statistics. Economists polled by news agency Reuters had been expecting a rise of around 1.5%.

Non-food shops reported strong monthly growth in May, and toy stores was one of the areas highlighted in the report as experiencing a marked improvement in the quantity of sales. 

Retail sales figures for April

The ONS has also revised its retail sales figures for April, which it had estimated as having fallen by 2.3%, but now puts the figure at 1.8%.

Additionally, the latest snapshot of consumer confidence from GfK, which monitors the latest trends and insights happening in the retail industry, reveals that sentiment is standing at its highest level in two and a half years.

Sky News reports that economist Andrew Wishart, from research firm Capital Economics, said the sales figures suggested lower inflation was starting to encourage shoppers to spend more.

www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/retailindustry/bulletins/retailsales/may2024