Shoppers splashed out on fans and paddling pools as retail sales in Great Britain heated up in May, driven by a record hot month. The volume of retail sales grew 1.2% compared with April, the strongest monthly growth since January, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The increase, more than double the 0.5% forecast by analysts, marked a recovery from a revised 1% month-on-month fall in April. The ONS had originally reported a 1.3% decline for April, the largest since May last year. The March sales rise was also revised upward from 0.6% to 0.7%.
Jon Gough, a senior statistician at the ONS, said: "Feedback from retailers suggested the hot weather in May helped sales of items such as fans and paddling pools. Computer and telecoms stores continued to do well following product launches in March, while online retailers also performed strongly, with feedback suggesting that this was helped by promotions."
Non-store retailing, primarily online retailers, enjoyed a bumper month, with sales soaring 6.1% compared with April, the biggest monthly rise since February 2025. Department stores also reported strong performance, with sales up 2.5% month on month and a quarterly increase of 2.7%, the largest since September 2024. Household goods stores saw sales rise 3.2% month on month.
Retailers attributed the growth to a combination of the UK recording its hottest ever May day and promotional campaigns, which boosted sales of outdoor furniture and other seasonal items. According to Shopify merchant data, sales of desk and pedestal fans soared by 750% in May compared with April. Other warm-weather products also saw significant increases: pool loungers up 500%, outdoor umbrellas up 70%, and paddleboards, surfboards, and kayaks all seeing higher demand.
Computers and telecoms retailers continued to benefit from new product launches, including smartphones and iPads. However, supermarkets were the only sector to experience a notable decline, with sales volumes falling 0.4% month on month in May.
Overall, sales volumes rose 3.2% in the year to the end of May compared with the same period in 2025. However, Hai-Ly Nguyen, an associate partner at McKinsey & Company, cautioned that the three-month trend suggested a "heat-driven spike rather than a turning point."
The end of May also saw a World Cup boost in the run-up to the tournament, with Shopify recording an almost doubling in month-on-month sales of football shirts and strong increases in purchases of boots, televisions, and disposable cups.
Rajeev Shaunak, head of consumer at accounting firm MHA, said: "Retail sales bounced back unexpectedly well in May as the spring heatwave, early bank holiday and a pre-World Cup buzz gave the high street a badly needed boost after April’s disappointing slump. But no one should mistake a sunnier month for a real high street revival. Consumer confidence remains stuck deep in negative territory. Families are still worried about their finances and the wider economy, and many are putting off big purchases, cutting back on treats and trying to save what they can."
