Retail sales in the UK rose by 0.9% in June, driven by hot weather that encouraged shoppers to buy summer clothes, stock up on drinks, and travel more, according to data from the Office for

National Statistics (ONS).

The increase followed a sharp 2.8% drop in May, which the ONS revised downward from earlier estimates. While June’s bounce was anticipated, the scale of the recovery fell short of economists’ expectations.

“June’s rise in sales was disappointingly small,” said Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics.

Sales in food stores climbed 0.7%, while fuel sales jumped 2.8% as people “ventured out and about in the sunshine,” the ONS noted. Non-food sales also rose, with clothing sales boosted by both warm weather and seasonal promotions. However, these gains were partially offset by weaker sales in household goods, including furniture.

ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach said, “The warm weather in June helped to brighten sales, with supermarket retailers reporting stronger trading and an increase in drink purchases.”

The Met Office confirmed June 2025 was the warmest on record in England and the second warmest across the UK, with two notable heatwaves during the month.

Despite the uptick, overall retail performance remains sluggish. Sales volumes rose just 0.2% in the three months to June compared with the previous quarter, indicating a broader slowdown in consumer spending.

A separate survey by GfK suggested consumer confidence is still weaker than it was a year ago—adding to concerns that second-quarter economic growth may be underwhelming.

Retail sales figures over the past year have shown considerable volatility, largely reflecting changing weather patterns and the timing of Easter. For instance, retail volumes surged by 4.0% in January 2024 and dropped sharply by 3.5% in December 2023.

Jacqueline Windsor, head of retail at PwC UK, said: “Shoppers entertained more at home and refreshed their wardrobes during the hot spell. However, the record-breaking heat also discouraged trips to high streets, reducing footfall and increasing online shopping.”

June’s sales figures arrive amid broader economic challenges. Government borrowing exceeded expectations due to rising public service spending and higher debt interest payments. Meanwhile, the economy unexpectedly contracted in May, and inflation ticked up to 3.6%.

These developments suggest the UK’s economic recovery may be cooling, even as summer temperatures rise.