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That’s properly forward of the 0.2 per cent decline predicted by economists.
Non-store gross sales grew by 2.7 per cent, thanks largely to a serious enhance in on-line purchasing for objects like out of doors items and summer season clothes.
Gross sales had already grown in April, after a poor efficiency in March, although the expansion charge was down from April’s 0.5 per cent.
The additional financial institution vacation for the King’s jubilee, alongside the 2 usually scheduled days off, contributed to the sturdy gross sales, as did good climate.
Erin Brookes, European Retail and Client Lead at Alvarez & Marsal, stated:“The King’s coronation was trigger for celebration throughout the Excessive Road as the additional financial institution vacation boosted gross sales in Could. With shoppers in a festive temper for the once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and good climate all through the month, retailers noticed elevated demand for out of doors items and summer season garments.”
Excessive avenue retailer Subsequent had already urged that Could may very well be a robust month for retail, when it revealed its revenue throughout the late spring was forward of expectations and upped its full-year steerage because of this.
ONS senior statistician Heather Bovill stated: “Retail gross sales grew a bit in Could, with on-line outlets doing significantly properly promoting out of doors items and summer season garments, because the solar started to shine. May noticed a return to development for gas gross sales after a dip in April.
“Backyard centres and DIY shops additionally noticed development, as the nice climate inspired folks to begin dwelling and backyard enhancements.
“These had been offset by meals gross sales, which fell again as costs in supermarkets continued to rise, exacerbated by many individuals ordering takeaways and ingesting out extra throughout the additional financial institution holidays, whereas jewelry and artwork additionally fell again after a robust April.”
Meals gross sales had been down, nonetheless, in an indication that clients is perhaps chopping again amid sky-high grocery store inflation.
