UK retail sales rebound in May

Retail sales rebounded last month as the better weather and two bank holidays encouraged shoppers onto the high street.

The quantity of items bought lifted 2.9% in May, following a fall of 1.8% in April, the Office for National Statistics said. April’s data has been revised up from a previous estimate of a 2.3% decrease.

Non-food stores sales increased 3.5% last month, marking the largest monthly rise since April 2021. This reflects improved footfall, better weather, and the impact of promotions.

Meanwhile, online sales rose by 5.4% during May 2024.

"The numerous bank holidays in May provided retailers with a much-needed sales boost, according to the latest figures from the ONS," said Silvia Rindone, Retail Lead at EY UK and Ireland.

"A summer packed with high-profile sporting events such as Uefa Euro 2024 and the upcoming Paris Olympics, coupled with better weather and the possibility of political changes, could well be the catalyst for a resurgence in consumer confidence.

"While these upcoming events are beyond retailers’ control, they present a golden opportunity to drive sales."

Oliver Vernon-Harcourt, Head of Retail at Deloitte, said the latest figures suggest that "recessionary behaviours are easing", with more consumers "releasing their purse strings and spending on discretionary items".

The UK economy dipped into a recession at the end of last year, but returned to growth over the start of 2024.