UK retail sales volumes are estimated to have increased by 0.3% in May following an increase of 0.5% in April; non-store retailing sales volumes rose by 2.7% month-over-month: ONS

LONDON , June 23, 2023 (press release) –

A first estimate of retail sales in volume and value terms, seasonally and non-seasonally adjusted.

Main points

• Retail sales volumes are estimated to have risen by 0.3% in May 2023, following a rise of 0.5% in April 2023 (unrevised from our previous publication).
• Non-store retailing sales volumes rose by 2.7% in May 2023 because of strong sales by online retailers selling outdoor-related goods and summer clothing; this was boosted by the warm weather in the second half of the month.
• Automotive fuel stores sales volumes rose by 1.7% in May 2023, following a fall of 1.7% in April 2023; sales volumes were 9.5% below their pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) February 2020 levels.
• Food stores sales volumes fell by 0.5% in May 2023, with some anecdotal evidence of increased spending on takeaways and fast food because of the extra bank holiday, however retailers also indicated that increased cost of living and food prices continued to affect sales volumes.
• Non-food stores sales volumes fell by 0.2% in May 2023, following a rise of 0.9% in April.

Industry Intelligence Editor's Note: This press release omits select charts and/or marketing language for editorial clarity. Click here to view the full report.

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