Retail Sales Rose Faster Than Expected In June

The ONS has published retail sales data for June, covering the period from 28 May to 1 July 2023, including the spring bank holiday on 29 May 2023.

Main points:

• Retail sales volumes are estimated to have risen by 0.7% in June 2023 with increases across all the main sectors (food, non-food and non-store retailing) except automotive fuel, following a rise of 0.1% in May 2023 (revised from an increase of 0.3%).

• Looking at the quarterly picture, retail sales volumes rose by 0.4% in the three months to June 2023 compared with the three months to March 2023.

• Non-food stores sales volumes rose by 1.0% in June 2023, following a fall of 0.5% in May 2023; department stores and furniture retailers reported that summer sales and increased footfall helped boost volumes.

• Food stores sales volumes bounced back with 0.7% growth in June 2023, following a fall of 0.4% in May 2023, with feedback from some supermarkets that the good weather and promotions helped sales.

• Non-store retailing sales volumes rose by 0.2% in June 2023, following a rise of 2.4% in May 2023.

• Household goods stores reported a monthly rise in sales volumes of 1.4% because of strong sales in furniture stores, with some retailers also reporting summer sales having a positive impact.

• Automotive fuel stores sales volumes fell by 0.3% in June 2023, following a rise of 1.7% in May 2023.

• The proportion of online sales fell to 26.0% in June 2023 from 26.5% in May 2023 and has remained broadly consistent at around 26% since May 2022.

Source : Office for National Statistics (ONS), released 21 July 2023, ONS website, statistical bulletin, Retail sales, Great Britain: June 2023

Image : Shutterstock.com / 1184182105

For all the very latest news and intelligence on the UK's largest home improvement and garden retailers, sign up for the Insight DIY weekly newsletter.