Retail sales bounce back as shoppers snap up paddling pools and fans

Retail sales jump as third-warmest May on record sends Brits to the high street

UK retail sales rose 1.2% in May on record heat; e-commerce +3.3% three-month, +12.2% YoY. Growth masks selective demand—consumers defer discretionary purchases and prioritize value, shifting spend to weather-driven categories despite summer sporting momentum.