Retail spending across the UK rose in June as a spell of hot weather and summer discounting boosted purchases of clothing, cooling equipment and leisure items, while internet sales recovered to a five-year high, according to official figures.
What the numbers show
The Office for National Statistics reported a 1% increase in the volume of retail sales in June, following a revised 1.2% rise in May. Over the three months from April to June, retail volumes were estimated to be 0.6% higher than in the previous quarter.
"Internet retailers did especially well, with businesses telling us that this was because of promotions and the warm weather, with strong demand in June for outdoor products, air conditioning and clothing,"
said ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach.
- Online sales accounted for 29.4% of total retail sales in June — the highest share since April 2021.
- Non-store retail (primarily internet sellers, but also including market stalls and other non-traditional outlets) rose by 4.4% in the month.
- Clothing and footwear saw a monthly increase of 1.9%, their largest since September last year.
Local implications for Bury
For traders on Bury’s high street and in the market, the ONS picture offers mixed signals. Strong internet performance confirms continued competition from online platforms, but the rise in clothing, sports merchandise and cooling equipment suggests there remains robust footfall for seasonal goods. The report also noted higher alcohol and tobacco sales, a change attributed in part to early World Cup matches — a reminder of how sporting events can briefly reshape local spending patterns.
| Measure | Change |
|---|---|
| Monthly retail volume (June) | +1.0% |
| Monthly retail volume (May, revised) | +1.2% |
| Apr–Jun vs Jan–Mar | +0.6% |
| Online share (June) | 29.4% |
Local policymakers and business groups will be watching whether warmer weather and sporting events continue to buoy sales, and whether promotions that drove online growth can be translated into sustained visits to Bury’s shops. For consumers, the figures suggest greater choice and frequent promotions both online and on the high street as retailers respond to seasonal demand.
Further detail from the ONS will be important for traders planning stock and staffing through the summer months, while the return of more shoppers to non-store outlets underlines the ongoing importance of flexible retail strategies for the borough.
