Retail sales volumes (quantity bought) are estimated to have risen by 0.9% in June 2025, following a fall of 2.8% in May 2025, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal.
Food store sales rose following a fall in May 2025, with retailers reporting the warm weather had a positive effect.
More broadly, sales volumes rose by 0.2% in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2025 when compared with Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2025.
Asif Aziz, retail director at EE comments: “Following a gloomy set of results in May, retail sales rebounded last month, as consumers looked for ways to either beat the heat or make the most out of the hottest June since records began.
“In the tech sector, shoppers warmed to wireless speakers and electric fans, with millions hosting parties in gardens and local parks. Demand for TV packages also grew, as sports fans geared up for flagship events such as the Women’s Euros and Wimbledon tennis. In the gaming sector, the long-anticipated launch of the Switch 2 exceeded expectations, becoming Nintendo’s fastest-selling console in the UK.
“The forecast has promised more heatwaves, but retail demand is likely to cool in the coming weeks as consumers come to terms with inflation at its highest level for nearly 18 months. Retailers are having to work hard to cater for cautious shoppers, delivering the in-person ‘wow factor’ to win them over. At EE, we’re finding that continued investment in our experiential stores and our people is giving consumers a reason to visit the high-street.”
Retail sales
Matt Jeffers, retail strategy lead at Accenture UK, said: “June turned up the heat and shoppers responded. Retail sales rose by 0.9%, as sunshine, summer events like Father’s Day, Glastonbury and Wimbledon, and seasonal favourites drove up demand across both food and non-food categories.
“Barbecue basics and picnic bites helped lift food sales, while non-food categories like fuel and clothing got a boost from England’s warmest June on record.
“Shoppers were spending, but caution lingers. Recent data breaches may have made some wary of sharing data via more digital purchases. According to new Accenture research, 81% of consumers would lose trust in a brand after a data breach, meaning retailers must ensure their propositions are as secure as they are smart.
“June may have turned up the volume on sales but turning that into repeat custom means getting the basics right: fair value, hassle-free shopping, and digital trust that’s baked in from the start.”
Deann Evans, managing director, EMEA, at Shopify, commented: “Retailers will be pleased to see sales bounce back in June after falling in May. A record-breaking month for warm weather is likely to have contributed to this boost, with our Shopify data revealing month-on-month sales of evaporative coolers rose by more than 2000% in June. Sales of household insect repellents (+606.5%) and allergy relief (+479.4%) also increased significantly. On the lighter side, ice cream makers rose by 186.4%.
Shared cultural moments also drove spending, with consumers looking ahead to major sporting events. Wimbledon certainly captured attention with our data revealing sales of tennis rackets and tennis balls grew by 62.5% and 12.1% respectively (year-on-year comparing June 2025 to twelve months prior). This highlights a compelling opportunity for retailers to harness the potential of cultural trends – and offers encouragement that sales figures will continue to grow for the remainder of the summer months.
However, turning cultural buzz into meaningful commercial impact requires agility and speed from retailers to offer products and experiences that immerse consumers in the moment. Shoppers are seeking a sense of participation and retail is a natural avenue for this. By staying attuned to the cultural pulse, retailers can unlock new ways to drive growth and build loyalty throughout the year. This will be the key to continued success in the weeks and months ahead.”
