Core retail sales in the United Kingdom strengthened in June 2026, with year-over-year growth rising to 5.4%, up from 4.6% in May 2026. The latest data, updated on 24 July 2026, indicate a continued improvement in underlying consumer spending momentum.
Measured on a year-over-year basis, the June figure reflects how core retail activity compared with June a year earlier, while May’s 4.6% reading was a comparison against May of the previous year. The acceleration suggests that, excluding more volatile components typically stripped out of core measures, UK retailers saw firmer demand at the end of the second quarter.
