Our latest data show that retail sales increased by an estimated 12% in May 2020 http://ow.ly/dFyl50Ac2Ed 

In the three months to May 2020 volume sales fell by 12.8% when compared with the previous three months; the biggest decline on record.

This contrasts with increases in the latest monthly growth rate from the record low levels the previous month http://ow.ly/dg8H30qRpOf 

Commenting on today’s retail sales figures, @jathers_ONS said:

“Retail sales partially rebounded from the significant falls seen over the last two months, although total sales were still well over 10% down on February.” 1/3

. @jathers_ONS continues:

“It was another record month for website orders with a third of sales now online, as many retailers expanded their internet presence.” 2/3

. @jathers_ONS adds:

“May also saw a considerable rise in fuel sales as some easing of restrictions meant more traffic on the roads.” 3/3

While there was a strong increase in the value and volume of fuel sales in May 2020, levels still remain considerably lower than February 2020, before government travel restrictions were in place http://ow.ly/wyoa30qRpQs 

The proportion spent online soared to the highest on record in May 2020 at 33.4%, which compares with the 30.8% reported in April 2020 http://ow.ly/gHDU30qRpSm 

There was a large uptake of online spending for food as online spending reached record proportions from 9.3% in April to 11.3% in May http://ow.ly/q1D230qRpSY 

A number of clothing stores that had paused trade in April began to trade online in May 2020, increasing online sales by 25.2% http://ow.ly/5hZz30qRpTJ 

In May 2020, sales in Hardware, paints and glass stores returned to levels experienced before the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions as many stores, re-opened from mid-May http://ow.ly/VtX730qRpUa 

Due to implications of the ongoing #coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we have published these data earlier than usual.

See our statement for further information http://ow.ly/OYw830qsvzC