Retail sales jump 0.9% in June
Most retail sectors recorded growth in June, though some non-food categories reported declines. Food store volumes rose by 0.7%, recovering from a 5.4% fall in May
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Retail sales volumes rose by 0.9% in June 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), following a revised 2.8% decline in May.
Food store sales increased, with retailers attributing the rise to warm weather after a fall in May. Over the quarter, sales volumes were up 0.2% in the three months to June (April to June 2025) compared with the previous quarter (January to March 2025). Sales volumes in June were 1.7% higher than a year earlier but remained 1.6% below pre-pandemic levels in February 2020.
Most retail sectors recorded growth in June, though some non-food categories reported declines. Food store volumes rose by 0.7%, recovering from a 5.4% fall in May. Supermarkets reported stronger sales of drinks, supported by the warmer weather. Automotive fuel volumes rose by 2.8% – the largest monthly increase since May 2024 – also driven by weather conditions.
Meanwhile, non-store retailing, which includes online, stall and market sellers, rose by 1.7%, reaching the highest level since February 2022. Retailers cited promotional activity and favourable weather as contributing factors. Sales volumes across non-food stores increased by 0.2%.
Department stores and clothing retailers recorded gains, supported by promotions and weather-related footfall. These were offset by declines in household goods stores and other non-food retailers, including second-hand outlets and auction houses. Retailers linked the decline to reduced footfall.
According to the Met Office, England experienced its warmest June on record, and the UK its second warmest. Online spending values rose by 2.3% in June 2025, and by 4.5% year-on-year. Across the quarter, online sales were up 3.3% compared with the previous quarter. Total retail spend – including in-store and online – increased by 1.1% over the month. The proportion of sales made online rose from 27.4% in May to 27.8% in June.
ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach said: “Following a poor May, it was an improved month for retail sales with growth across all main sectors.The warm weather in June helped to brighten sales, with supermarket retailers reporting stronger trading and an increase in drink purchases. It was also a good month for fuel sales as consumers ventured out and about in the sunshine.
“Looking at broader trends, retail sales are up slightly across the latest quarter, but are down when compared with pre-pandemic levels.”
