UK retail sales volumes bounced back in June, rising 0.9% month on month, as warm weather encouraged shoppers to hit the high street and spend more online.

The rise follows a sharp 2.8% drop in May, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlighting increased supermarket sales and drink purchases during the heatwave, which made June the warmest on record in England.

Sales volumes also rose 1.7% year on year, though they remain 1.6% below pre-pandemic levels recorded in February 2020.

Food store sales climbed 0.7% over the month, with supermarkets benefiting from seasonal promotions. Non-store retailing — which includes online sales — jumped 1.7%, taking it to its highest level since February 2022.

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Meanwhile, non-food store sales edged up just 0.2%, as gains at department stores and clothing retailers were offset by weaker demand at household goods outlets and second-hand retailers. Retailers attributed these declines to lower footfall.

Online sales values rose 2.3% over the month and 4.5% year on year, with the proportion of online spending increasing to 27.8% of total retail sales.

Automotive fuel also saw a boost, rising 2.8% in volume – the biggest jump since May 2024 – again driven by the heatwave, which spurred more travel.

Over the second quarter of 2025, retail sales volumes rose 0.2% compared to Q1, and 1.8% compared to the same period last year.

British Retail Consortium director of insight Kris Hamer said: “June was a good month for much of UK retail, as the warm, sunny weather got people spending.

“Electric fans sold well last month as people scrambled to cool down their homes. Sales of food and drink also performed well, and while this was in part driven by rising inflation, the warmer weather and packed sports schedule also encouraged more social gatherings.

“Unfortunately, with BRC data showing consumer confidence tumbled in July, sales performance over the rest of the summer is at risk.

“Retailers are currently grappling with £7bn of extra costs as a result of last year’s Budget. Even this month’s sales uplift can only go so far. If the Chancellor heaps further taxes on the industry at the upcoming Budget, then retailers will face little choice but to raise prices or reduce investment in shops and jobs.”

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