UK whole retail gross sales elevated by 0.7% yr on yr in Could, in opposition to a progress of three.9% in Could 2023.
This was above the 3-month common progress of 0.3% and under the 12-month common progress of two.0%.
Meals gross sales elevated 3.6% yr on yr over the three months to Could, in comparison with 9.6% in Could 2023, which is under the 12-month common progress of 6.4%.
Nonetheless, non-food gross sales decreased 2.4% yr on yr over the three-months to Could, which is steeper than the 12-month common decline of 1.7%.
In-store non-food gross sales over the three months to Could decreased 2.7% yr on yr, whereas on-line non-food gross sales elevated by 1.5% in Could, in opposition to a mean decline of three% in Could 2023.
Helen Dickinson OBE, chief government of the British Retail Consortium, mentioned: “Regardless of a robust financial institution vacation weekend for retailers, minimal enchancment to climate throughout most of Could meant solely a modest rebound in retail gross sales final month.
“With an election solely 4 weeks away, retailers stand able to collaborate with the following authorities to unlock financial potential, benefiting prospects, workers, and communities alike.Retail actually is the “in all places financial system”, and with the best coverage setting can use its scale and attain to help public coverage targets.”
Linda Ellett, UK head of client, retail and leisure, KPMG, mentioned: “While gross sales progress was minimal, it may level to some indicators of restoration for the sector, and retailers might be looking forward to that pattern to proceed as they rigorously keep their pricing, inventory and value base.
“Over the approaching weeks retailers might be hoping that hotter climate, purchases associated to summer season vacation demand and Euro 2024 present a stimulus to get shoppers shopping for once more. The financial system could also be enhancing, however the well being of the sector stays fragile, with main funding held again by many till there are clear indicators that client confidence has became spending.”