Total UK retail sales increased by +3.1% year-on-year in June, according to the latest BRC-KPMG data, as warmer temperatures and the start of Wimbledon helped boost revenues.

Last month, food sales were up +4.1% compared to 2024 – in part driven by continued food price inflation.

IGD data shows that, looking ahead, growing numbers of consumers are concerned about grocery prices. “The number of shoppers expecting food prices to get much more expensive rose from 14% to 20%, reflecting renewed inflation concerns,” Sarah Bradbury, CEO at IGD, said.

Meanwhile non-food sales also saw a 2.2% year-on-year improvement in June, bolstered by spending on sports and leisure goods, homewares and appliances.

“Retail sales heated up in June, with both food and non-food performing well,” Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) commented. “The soaring temperatures increased sales of electric fans while sports and leisure equipment was boosted by both the weather and the start of Wimbledon.”

“Home appliances and homeware purchases helped retail sales to grow in June, as [shoppers] took advantage of summer promotions both in-store and online,” said Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure at KPMG. She also added warm weather and the start of the holiday season had contributed to a “modest monthly growth” across clothing sales.

However, while June’s retail sales delivered some welcome news for retailers, “the outlook is not all bright and sunny,” Dickinson warned, as retail businesses keep a close watch on the Government’s upcoming rates reforms.

“If the Government includes shops within its new higher rates threshold, then many retailers will be forced to rethink their investment plans. The closure of larger stores would harm the local communities they support, costing jobs and reducing footfall in the areas they serve,” she said.