Retail sales crept up by 0.3% in May as Brits splashed out on Coronation parties

Retail sales crept up last month as Brits splashed out on Coronation parties, official figures showed today.

Volumes increased by 0.3 per cent in May, with sunshine and extra bank holidays helping shops defy predictions from some analysts of a fall.

However, the data lay bare the impact of soaring inflation, with people still taking home less than before the pandemic struck – while spending around 17 per cent more in cash terms. 

The ONS said a 0.5 per cent drop in sales volumes at food shops was offset by more eating and drinking out. 

Online retailers selling outdoor products and summer clothing fared well due to the warm weather in the second part of May.

ONS senior statistician Heather Bovill said: ‘Retail sales grew a little in May, with online shops doing particularly well selling outdoor goods and summer clothes, as the sun began to shine. May also saw a return to growth for fuel sales after a dip in April.

‘Garden centres and DIY stores also saw growth, as the good weather encouraged people to start home and garden improvements.

‘These were offset by food sales, which fell back as prices in supermarkets continued to rise, exacerbated by many people ordering takeaways and drinking out more during the extra bank holidays, while jewellery and art also fell back after a strong April.’

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: ‘May’s three bank holidays gave retailers a needed boost as sales growth accelerated to 7.7 per cent. 

‘This could be seen for books, and SPF cosmetics in particular, which improved due to the brighter weather at the end of the month and as people prepare for summer getaways. 

‘Nonetheless, households continue to feel the pinch from the high cost of living, and are limiting their discretionary spending.’

‘Yesterday’s interest rates announcement will be disappointing for many, and will further tighten the purse strings of many.’