Covering the four weeks 04 May - 31 May 2025
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UK Total retail sales increased by 1% year on
year in May, against growth of 0.7% in May 2024.
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Food sales increased by 3.6% year on year in
May, against growth of 2.8% in May 2024.
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Non-Food sales decreased by 1.1% year on year
in May, flat against a decline of 1.1% in May 2024.
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In-Store Non-Food sales decreased by 0.9% year
on year in May, against a decline of 2.6% in May 2024.
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Online Non-Food sales decreased by 1.5% year
on year in May, against growth of 1.5% in May 2024.
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The online penetration rate (the proportion of
Non-Food items bought online) remained flat at 35.9% in May,
matching 35.9% in May 2024.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail
Consortium, said:
“Consumers put the brakes on spending, with the slowest growth in
2025 so far. This was due largely to declines in Non-food sales,
as fashion and full price big-ticket items were held back by
lower consumer confidence. Gaming bucked the trend, thanks to
some popular new releases. Food sales remained solid as the month
saw the conclusion of football tournaments and two bank holidays,
prompting spending on BBQs and picnics.
“Retailers are grappling with the £5bn in extra costs from higher
National Insurance contributions and wages, which kicked in
during April. They also face an additional £2bn later this year
from new packaging taxes and remain concerned about the
consequences of the Employment Rights Bill. Ensuring the new Bill
supports workers' rights without undermining retailers' ability
to continue to provide jobs and investment in people will
determine whether Government achieves economic growth across the
country or not.”
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure,
KPMG, said:
“While the sunshine continued, the pace of retail sales growth
didn't in May. Early seasonal purchases were likely a
factor, as was a dampening of some spending appetite as
households reflected upon the recent combination of essential
bill rises. But May still saw slight growth, driven mainly
by food and drink, with non-food purchases falling overall.
“Travel demand for the summer months ahead looks healthy, so
retailers will be hoping June sees an upturn in related spending
as people begin to think about what they want to pack in their
suitcase.”
Food & Drink sector performance | Sarah Bradbury,
CEO, IGD, said:
“After the sunniest spring on record and a string of bank
holidays, our Shopper Confidence Index rose by five points in
May, helped by the prospect of lower energy bills and renewed
momentum in UK trade agreements with the US and EU. This uplift
marks a welcome shift from ‘Awful April', but beneath the
surface, confidence remains fragile. Our research shows that
shoppers are still navigating financial uncertainty and continue
to rely on money-saving tactics like planning ahead and buying on
promotion. While the mood has brightened, we've yet to see this
translate into meaningful changes in behaviour. With the external
environment still volatile, shoppers remain cautiously
optimistic, but not necessarily ready to spend freely.”
Source: BRC-KPMG RETAIL SALES MONITOR (Includes
Food data from IGD)
