UK retail sales increased last month after rebound for clothing and furniture shops

The figure has beaten forecasts, with some economists expecting sales to rise by a softer 1.6 per cent last month.

The volume of sales rose across most sectors last month, compared with April, when poor weather reduced the number of people shopping.

Clothing retailers, furniture, footwear, sports equipment, games and toy stores had a strong month, thanks to more visitors, warmer weather and the impact of promotions.

Florists also helped drive a 3.5 per cent increase in total non-food store sales in May, which includes department stores and homeware shops.

This was the biggest monthly rise in three years, the ONS said.

Online clothes shopping also soared by nearly a tenth in May, while the total amount spent online across all sectors rose by 5.4 per cent.

Meanwhile, watches and jewellery retailers and second-hand goods stores were among those seeing a slight fall in spending compared with the previous month.

Experts said that a summer of sporting events is likely to prompt more spending, which could further boost retailers.

“The numerous bank holidays in May provided retailers with a much-needed sales boost, according to the latest figures from the ONS,” said Silvia Rindone, EY’s UK and Ireland retail lead.

“A summer packed with high-profile sporting events such as Uefa Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics, coupled with better weather and the possibility of political changes, could well be the catalyst for a resurgence in consumer confidence.

“While these upcoming events are beyond retailers’ control, they present a golden opportunity to drive sales.”

Oliver Vernon-Harcourt, head of retail at Deloitte, said the latest figures suggest that “recessionary behaviours are easing”, with more consumers “releasing their purse strings and spending on discretionary items such as clothing and furniture”.

Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British Retail Consortium, said: “The record warmth of May led to a small recovery in retail sales for the month.

"Larger retailers outperformed small retailers, with clothing and footwear particularly benefitting from the change in temperatures. “Nonetheless, sales volumes still remain below their 2021 levels.” Mr Hamer added: “Retailers hope that the recent start of Euro 2024 should further improve spending in snacks, alcohol, and TVs for June’s figures and if England can win their final game and move forward to Round of 16, it might give consumer confidence the boost it needs.”