Retail sales rose higher than expected last month thanks to a burst of hot weather.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show sales volumes grew 0.7% in June, beating expert forecasts of a 0.2% rise following the 0.1% increase in May.
Non-food stores sales rose 1% last month, following a fall of 0.5% the month before, boosted by summer offers and an increase in footfall.
Food stores also bounced back in June, with sales up 0.7% compared to the 0.4% drop in May, as supermarkets ramped up promotions.
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ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: “Retail sales grew strongly, with food sales bouncing back from the effects of the extra bank holiday, partly helped by good weather, and department stores and furniture shops also having a strong month.
“However, these were partially offset by falls in fuel, garden centres and clothes shops.
“Growth still fell on an annual basis, but at its slowest rate since the beginning of the Ukraine war.”
British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “June’s sunshine gave retail sales growth a boost as customers readied themselves for the summer season, with products in areas such as fashion, skincare and books performing particularly well.
“Nonetheless, consumer confidence remains fragile, and with households feeling the pinch from high inflation and rising interest rates they held back on making big ticket purchases, especially in areas such as electricals.
“Retailers are hopeful that consumer confidence will improve over the coming months as inflation eases.”
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