UK retail sales in May 2024 surged with clothing the beneficiary of an uplift thanks to better weather following a wet April.

The Office of National Statistics most recent data into UK retail in May reveals sales volumes rose across most sectors, with clothing retailers and furniture stores rebounding following poor weather in April.

Overall retail sales volumes (quantity bought) rose by 2.9% in May 2024, following a fall of 1.8% in April 2024 (revised from a fall of 2.3%).

More broadly, sales volumes rose by 1.0% in the three months to May 2024 when compared with the previous three months. However, they fell by 0.2% when compared with the three months to May 2023.

Non-food stores sales volumes (the total of department, clothing, household and other non-food stores) rose by 3.5% in May 2024.

This was the largest monthly rise since April 2021, and follows a fall of 3.0% in April 2024. Within non-food stores, there was strong monthly growth for clothing and footwear retailers, furniture stores, and sports equipment, games and toys stores. These retailers reported improved footfall, better weather, and the impact of promotions.

Non-store retailers, which are predominantly online retailers, rose by 5.9% on the month. This was the largest monthly increase and index level since April 2022.

Non-store retailers, which are predominantly online retailers, rose by 5.9% on the month. This was the largest monthly increase and index level since April 2022.

By Just Style