Overview
- The Office for National Statistics reported that retail sales volumes rose 1.2% month‑on‑month in May, with three‑month volumes up 0.4% versus the three months to February.
- Non‑food categories led the improvement, with department stores and computer and telecoms retailers expanding and non‑store online sales jumping sharply, while food store volumes fell by 0.4%.
- Retailers and analysts said the May uplift was pulled forward by the third‑warmest May on record, short‑term promotions and demand for products released in March, and April’s figures were revised slightly less negative before May’s rise.
- Experts caution the bounce reflects selective, value‑conscious spending rather than renewed consumer confidence, and they expect continuing household pressure from bills and retailers’ rising operating costs to limit a sustained recovery.
- What to watch next is whether summer events and any easing of Middle East tensions extend demand into June, but retailers’ margins and stretched household budgets will determine if the gains persist.