Retail sales bounce back less than expected in June

(Sharecast News) - UK retail sales bounced back in June - albeit less than expected - boosted by warmer weather, according to figures released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics. Retail sales rose 0.9% on the month following a 2.8% drop in May, which was revised down from a 2.7% decline. The increase was below economists' expectations for 1.2% growth, however.

Food stores sales volumes rose 0.7% in June following a 5.4% fall the month before. This was mainly thanks to improved supermarket sales, with some retailers mentioning that warm weather had lifted drinks sales.

Hannah Finselbach, senior statistician at the ONS, said: "Following a poor May, it was an improved month for retail sales with growth across all main sectors. The warm weather in June helped to brighten sales, with supermarket retailers reporting stronger trading and an increase in drink purchases."