UK retail sales grow 3.7% in May

While the weather and general economic conditions continued to provide a challenge, the ONS numbers show the total value of sales growth(not seasonally adjusted) was 3.7 per cent in May compared with a year ago. In April the growth rate was 0.6 per cent. This is a similar trend to the BRC’s own figures, released on 4 June.

British Retail Consortium Director General, Helen Dickinson, said: “Optimism is gradually returning and the ONS have confirmed the good sales trend we saw in the BRC figures earlier this month.

“UK retailers have had to work hard to respond to the volatile weather and economic challenges, but the signs are that their promotional activity has been paying off. Customers remain price-conscious, but have been responding well to the good deals that are available.”

British Retail Consortium