UK sales have risen by 1.3 percent, a partial rebound from last years’ poor result, due to the heatwave.
According to BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker (HSST), UK retailers saw June’s overall like-for-like trading grow by 1.3 percent.
Shoppers turned to the highstreet to update their summer wardrobe with fashion sales growing by 1.4 percent.
Like-for-like sales of lifestyle goods increased by 1.2 percent, benefitting from strong tourist numbers and Father’s Day.
Homewares also saw a positive rise of 0.5 percent making it a clean sweep for the month.
Non-store sales dipped during the hot weather before rallying at the end of the month to record like-for-like growth of 22.2 percent for the month overall.
Sophie Michael, head of retail and wholesale at BDO LLP, warned, the growth delivered in June should be considered in the context of a dismal June 2016 result for all categories.
“Retailers are often criticised for attributing poor results to unseasonal weather, but perhaps the positive impact delivered by June’s sunshine demonstrates that weather influences the consumers’ appetite for shopping.
“This time last year the EU Referendum outcome led to reluctance by consumers to spend, making it the high street’s worst June in a decade.
“This June, consumers were distracted by a General Election, but that didn’t stop them heading to the shops when the sun came out.
“Retailers will take heart from consumers’ willingness to spend, but there is evidence shoppers are delving into their savings which is clearly not a sustainable position.
“With real earnings falling which will inevitably result in consumers to tighten their belts, product range and the retail experience will be ever more important factors together with discount offers to encourage spending.”
