UK retail sales rise 1.9% in June as heatwave and World Cup lift spending

June retail sales in the United Kingdom grew 1.9% year‑on‑year, buoyed by a record‑breaking heatwave and the men’s football World Cup. The British Retail Consortium data showed strong growth in clothing, electric fans, air‑conditioning units and online purchases, with non‑food online sales jumping 5.1% and reaching 39% of the total. In‑store non‑food sales fell 1.1% as customers shopped from home to avoid the heat.

Barclays’ consumer‑spending gauge also rose 1.9%, with essential spending up 2.2% – the largest increase in 14 months – and overall card‑payment volume surging on England’s match days. Pub transactions on the Panama match were five times the daily average, up 389.9% year‑on‑year, and payments on other fixtures rose by 200%‑240%.

Analysts warned that political uncertainty and the war in Iran could later raise food prices, while business groups urged the incoming government to cut energy costs. Amid the heat, retailers such as Sainsbury’s offered a 25% discount on Bestway paddling pools, selling them for £15 as families sought affordable ways to stay cool.