FX.co ★ UK Retail Sales Rebound on Summer Boost

In June 2025, UK retail sales experienced a 0.9% month-over-month increase, rebounding from a revised 2.8% decline in May, though they did not meet market expectations of a 1.2% rise. This marks the fourth sales increase this year. Sales volumes in food stores achieved a 0.7% rise, overturning a 5.4% drop in the previous month, largely due to enhanced supermarket sales—especially in beverages—fueled by warmer weather. Automotive fuel sales saw a substantial 2.8% jump, registering the highest monthly increase since May 2024, also benefiting from favorable weather conditions. Online sales climbed 1.7%, reaching their peak since February 2022. Non-food store sales rose slightly by 0.2%, with department stores and clothing retailers noting improved sales, attributed to promotional activities and weather-influenced demand. When excluding fuel, sales showed a 0.6% rise, also recovering from a previously noted 2.8% decrease. On an annual scale, retail sales rose by 1.7%, transitioning from a revised 1.1% decline in May, although trailing behind the anticipated 1.8% increase.