The strong performance was driven by warm weather and increased spending on seasonal products. Non-food sales increased by 3.5 per cent, reversing a 1.1 per cent decline recorded a year earlier and exceeding the 12-month average growth of 0.7 per cent, BRC said in a press release.
Online shopping played a significant role in the month’s performance. Online non-food sales climbed by 10.6 per cent YoY, compared to a decline of 1.5 per cent in May 2025. The online penetration rate, measuring the share of non-food purchases made online, increased to 38 per cent from 36 per cent a year earlier and remained above the 12-month average of 37.7 per cent.
UK retail sales rose 3.7 per cent YoY in May 2026, outperforming the 12-month average as warm weather boosted demand for seasonal products.
Non-food sales increased 3.5 per cent, while online non-food sales surged 10.6 per cent, lifting online penetration to 38 per cent.
Retailers benefited from stronger spending on clothing, footwear, outdoor goods and food.
In contrast, in-store non-food sales declined by 0.4 per cent YoY, although the fall was smaller than the 0.9 per cent decline recorded in May 2025.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC said, “May’s heatwave drove a surge in outdoor and summer goods. Clothing and footwear returned to growth as shoppers snapped up summer essentials like sandals and sunglasses. As temperatures rose, many opted to shop online to avoid the heat, boosting online sales.”
Dickinson cautioned that the improvement should not be viewed as guaranteed going forward, noting that household budgets remain under pressure and retailers continue to face rising operating costs. She urged the government to address taxes and levies that contribute to higher energy bills.
Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG said, “The late Spring heatwave brought record temperatures in May and also heated up retail sales growth. Clothing and footwear sales grew-some for the first time since the January sales.”
Sarah Bradbury, chief executive of IGD said, “The late May bank holiday heatwave boosted shopper activity, driving sales growth in the final week of the month. With forecasts pointing to further heatwaves due to El Nino and the added momentum of the upcoming World Cup, food and drink retail performance may benefit from improved shopper sentiment in the coming months.”
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
