UK food sales surged in May as shoppers basked in the scorching bank holiday sunshine.
Total retail sales grew by 3.7% year on year throughout May, compared to 1% the previous year, according to the BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor.
It was driven by an increase in food sales, particularly barbecue goods as the UK enjoyed the hottest day of the year so far during the run up to the May bank holiday weekend, with total grocery sales growing by 3.9%, against 3.6% the previous year.
Online sales grew as shoppers sheltered from the scorching heat at home, pushing online penetration up to 38%, up from 36% in May 2025. “Roaring trade” for thinner bedding, fans and outdoor toys were also boosted, with online non-food sales up by 10.6%, compared to a decline of 1.5% the previous year.
“The late May bank holiday heatwave boosted shopper activity, driving sales growth in the final week of the month,” said IGD CEO Sarah Bradbury.
“With forecasts pointing to further heatwaves due to El Niño and the added momentum of the upcoming World Cup, food and drink retail performance may benefit from improved shopper sentiment in the coming months.”
However, the rise in the energy price cap from July, as well as the continued impacts of the Iran war starting to be felt within Household budgets, meant retailers faced less certainty beyond summer.
“While the sunshine gave retail a welcome lift, this momentum should not be taken for granted,” said Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive.
“Household finances remain under pressure, consumer confidence is still fragile, and many retailers continue to face rising costs,” Dickinson said.
“If government wants to keep inflation in check and support growth, it must urgently tackle the taxes and levies that are driving up energy bills. Without action, cost pressures will build further, limiting retailers’ ability to invest and pushing prices up for customers,” she added.
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure, KPMG, said:
“The late Spring heatwave brought record temperatures in May and also heated up retail sales growth.
“Clothing and footwear sales grew - some for the first time since the January sales. Hot days and nights increased fans and air con unit buying, while food and drink sales were up, as were garden related purchases.,” Elliott added.
“As we move into summer season, retailers and hospitality businesses will be hoping the good Weather continues and that the World Cup boosts related spending. Getting new items into the suitcases of holidaymakers is also now key to the summer performance of many retailers.”
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