Retail sales bounced back last month amid a surge in sales of fans and paddling pools amid the unusually hot weather in May.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the total volume of retail sales, which measures the quantity bought, rose by 1.2 per cent in May. It compared with a decline of 1 per cent in April, which was revised from a 1.3 per cent fall in its previous estimate.
The monthly increase was stronger than expected, with analysts having pointed to a 0.5 per cent rise for May. The better weather and promotions helped to boost sales of outdoor furniture and fans over the month.
Feeling the heat: Retail sales bounced back last month as department stores and online retailers were buoyed by hot weather
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