UK retail sales volumes rose by 1.2% month-on-month in May 2026, rebounding from a downwardly revised 1.0% fall in April and surpassing market expectations of a 0.5% increase. This was the strongest monthly performance in four months.
The upturn was led by a 6.1% surge in non-store retail sales—the largest increase since February 2025—which pushed volumes to their highest level since January 2022. Retailers cited promotional campaigns and warmer weather as key drivers, boosting demand for seasonal goods such as outdoor furniture and fans. Non-food stores also recorded solid growth, with department stores benefiting from the same supportive factors. Online sales rose by 3.3%.
On an annual basis, retail trade grew by 3.2%, the strongest pace since January, accelerating from just 0.1% in April and comfortably beating forecasts of 1.9% growth. Over the three months to May, retail sales were up 0.4% compared with the three months to February.
