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4d ago

Record June Heat Fuels 3.1% Rise in UK Retail Sales

Barclays reports overall card spending dipped 0.1% despite consumer confidence reaching its highest level since February

A stallholder moves a mannequin while a woman shops at the Petticoat Lane Market in Tower Hamlets in London, Britain, June 1, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo
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Overview

  • Total retail sales climbed 3.1% year-on-year in June, rebounding from a 1.0% gain in May and marking the second-largest rise this year.
  • Record-breaking June heat since 1884 propelled electric fan sales and lifted demand for sports and leisure equipment during Wimbledon.
  • Food sales expanded by 4.1% driven largely by inflation, while non-food categories rose 2.2% with online and physical stores performing equally.
  • Barclays card data reveal a 0.1% drop in overall spending, with essentials down 2.1% and a modest uptick in non-essential expenses such as entertainment and travel.
  • Homeware and personal care led gains with furniture sales up 8.2% on first-time buyer interest and pharmacy, health and beauty products climbing 10.1%.