May Heatwave Boosts Spending on Barbecue Food, Sandals and Sunglasses
Warm weather lifted online sales 10.6% and boosted demand for barbecue food, sandals and sunglasses, retailers and KPMG said.
- Total UK retail sales increased by 3.7% year on year in May, according to data from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG, well above the 12-month average of 2%. The hot weather drove a surge in spending on barbecue food, sandals, and sunglasses.
- Hot temperatures drove a 3.5% increase in non-food sales as shoppers bought summer essentials like fans and cooler bedding. Online sales were particularly healthy, up 10.6% year on year, as many opted to shop from home to avoid the heat.
- Food sales were up 3.9% as households made the most of bank holiday weather by lighting barbecues. In Brighton, East Sussex, people enjoyed hot temperatures that boosted spending on garden-related purchases and outdoor toys.
- Separate figures from Barclays show consumer card spending grew 0.8% year on year in May, up from April's 0.1% decline. Shoppers are finding room in budgets for items that feel like good value despite ongoing concerns about rising costs.
- Retailers hope the World Cup boosts related spending as good weather continues into summer. Consumer sentiment regarding the European and global economies has rebounded, though concerns about Middle East impacts on costs remain elevated.
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12 Articles
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