Air conditioning frenzy amid heatwave and World Cup fever help bring much-needed boost for high streets
A heatwave gave high streets a much-needed boost last month, including frantic efforts to seize air conditioning units.
Official figures also show World Cup excitement is gripping shoppers, with retail sales rising by 1 per cent in June.
Businesses reported that volumes increased for a second month as temperatures rose. Apparel and footwear performed strongly.
ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach said: ‘Retail sales rose again in the last quarter.
Heatwave gave high streets a much-needed boost last month, including frantic efforts to seize air conditioning units
World Cup excitement is also affecting shoppers, with retail sales rising by 1 per cent in June, official figures show
‘Internet retailers performed particularly well; businesses told us this was due to promotions and warm weather, with strong demand for outdoor products, air conditioning and clothing in June.
‘Sports products also sell well online.
‘As online retailers are doing well, the rate of online sales has risen to its highest level since spring 2021, when coronavirus restrictions ended.’
Last month, air conditioners ran out of air across the country as Brits struggled with intense heat.
Retail sales seen The 1.2 percent increase in May and the 1 percent decrease previously detected in April were revised to 0.7 percent.
As a result, it is estimated that sales between April and June increased by 0.6 percent compared to the first three months of the year.
Kien Tan, PwC UK Senior Retail Advisor, said: ‘Successive heatwaves and the performances of both England and Scotland in the group stages of the World Cup have boosted consumer confidence; Retailers have also taken advantage of this with well-timed sales and promotions to encourage shoppers to spend, reflected in the decline in inflation reported earlier this week.
‘This momentum has benefited the entire sector; There were higher spends in every category, from barbecue food to summer clothing, fans, kiddie pools and other outdoor items to take advantage of the weather.
‘But the hottest June on record in the UK also deterred shoppers from hitting the high streets. ‘Visitor numbers decreased throughout the month, with online retailers the biggest beneficiaries of increased sales.’
Businesses reported that volumes increased for a second month as temperatures rose. Apparel and footwear performed strongly
