Retail sales saw a significant boost last month, thanks to an increase in shoppers returning to fashion and furniture stores. This comes after April's damp weather led to a decrease in spending, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In May, the quantity of items purchased increased by 2.
9%, following a 1.8% drop in April. The data for April has since been revised from an initial estimate of a 2.
3% decline. These figures have exceeded expectations, with some economists predicting a more modest rise of 1.6% last month.
Most sectors saw an increase in sales volume in May compared to April, when poor weather conditions resulted in fewer people shopping. Clothing retailers, furniture stores, footwear shops, sports equipment outlets, games and toy stores all reported a strong month, due to an increase in visitors, better weather, and the impact of promotional offers. Florists also contributed to a 3.
5% rise in total non-food store sales in May, which includes department stores and homeware shops. According to the ONS, this was the largest monthly increase in three years. Online clothes shopping also saw a significant increase in May, rising by nearly a tenth, while the total amount spent online across all sectors increased by 5.
4%. However, not all sectors saw an increase in spending. Retailers selling watches and jewellery, as well as second-hand goods stores, reported a slight decrease in spending compared to the previous month.
Experts pr.
