UK Total retail sales increased by 0.7% year on year in May, against a growth of 3.9% in May 2023, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.
This was above the three-month average growth of 0.3% and below the 12-month average growth of 2.0%.
Food sales increased 3.6% year on year over the three months to May, against a growth of 9.6% in May 2023. This is below the 12-month average growth of 6.4%. For the month of May, Food was in growth year on year.
Non-Food sales decreased 2.4% year on year over the three months to May, against a growth of 0.7% in May 2023. This is steeper than the 12-month average decline of 1.7%. For the month of May, Non-Food was in decline year on year.
British Retail Consortium Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said: “Despite a strong bank holiday weekend for retailers, minimal improvement to weather across most of May meant only a modest rebound in retail sales last month.
“Retailers remain optimistic that major events such as the Euros and the Olympics will bolster consumer confidence this summer.
“With an election only four weeks away, retailers stand ready to collaborate with the next government to unlock economic potential, benefiting customers, colleagues, and communities alike. Cross government co-ordination and outcome driven policymaking must no longer be an afterthought in government decision making. Retail really is the ‘everywhere economy,’ and with the right policy environment can use its scale and reach to support public policy goals.”
