Retail sales rebound in June thanks to heatwave

June’s heatwave helped retail sales to bounce back last month as the hot weather boosted sales of food and drink with fashion also seeing marginal gains, according to official figures.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the total volume of retail sales rose by 0.9% in June, having fallen by a downwardly revised 2.8% in May.

June saw the first of three heatwaves so far this summer, with temperatures reaching a high of nearly 33C in the middle of last month.

But the sales rebound was not as pronounced as the 1.1% jump pencilled in by most economists and means that overall, retail sales volumes rose by 0.2% quarter-on quarter in the three months to the end of June. This is down from 1.3% quarterly growth at the start of the year.

Non-food stores sales volumes in June – the total of department, clothing, household and other non-food stores – rose marginally by 0.2% over the month. Department stores and clothing retailers rose on the month on the back of promotions and good weather.

Food stores sales volumes rose by 0.7% in June 2025, following a 5.4% fall in May. This rise was mainly because of improved sales volumes in supermarkets, with some retailers noting increased sales of drinks because of the warm weather.

ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbachat said: “Following a poor May, it was an improved month for retail sales with growth across all main sectors.

“The warm weather in June helped to brighten sales, with supermarket retailers reporting stronger trading and an increase in drink purchases.

“It was also a good month for fuel sales as consumers ventured out and about in the sunshine.

“Looking at broader trends, retail sales are up slightly across the latest quarter, but are down when compared with pre-pandemic levels."

Deloitte head of retail Oliver Vernon-Harcourt added that a packed summer of social and events may provide a further boost for retailers but said caution among consumers could temper spending.

“After a brief setback in May, retail sales warmed up again in June as the heatwave encouraged consumers to spend across almost all categories. This immediate rebound suggests that last month’s dip in sales was a minor bump in the road, and sales growth in the first half of the year has been uplifting for the sector.

“Despite spending remaining relatively consistent in 2025, consumer confidence recently fell for the first time in almost three years, a sign of caution among consumers. Retailers face their own challenges amid intense competition and economic uncertainty, while also finding ways to entice consumers to spend their hard-earned money. In this hot British summer, with a roster of sporting events and festivals on offer to encourage spending, retailers will be hoping for an additional seasonal boost,” Vernon-Harcourt said.

Main image: Carnaby Street, June 2025, Alamy (Stephen Chung)