UK total retail sales increased by +3.1% YoY in June, against a decline of -0.2% in June 2024, the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor reveals, driven in part by homewares purchases.
Non-food sales increased by +2.2% YoY – +2.2% in-store, and +2.3% online. The online penetration rate of 36.6% was unchanged YoY.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), says: “Retail sales heated up in June, with both food and non-food performing well. The soaring temperatures increased sales of electric fans while sports and leisure equipment was boosted by both the weather and the start of Wimbledon. Food sales remained strong, though this was in-part driven by food inflation, which has risen steadily over the course of the year."
Linda Ellett, UK head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure at KPMG, adds: “Home appliances and homeware purchases helped retail sales to grow in June, as new homebuyers and those having a refresh in their current home took advantage of summer promotions both in-store and online.
"Warm weather and the start of the holiday season led to modest monthly growth for clothing sales. But retailers will be hoping that the buying is not yet complete and that the pace picks up further in July and August as suitcases get packed and the sun hopefully keeps shining."
