Retail sales rose in June, with the higher temperatures giving the sector a boost.

The latest figures from the ONS revealed food store sales went up by 0.7%, compared to a 5.4% decline in May. According to retailers, an increased demand for drinks and seasonal staples led to positive growth.

The overall sales volumes in the UK inched up by 0.9% in June, compared to a 2.8% decline in May. This marked a 1.5% increase year on year.

Additionally, online shopping gained traction with a 2.3% increase compared to the previous month and went up by 4.5% annually, which accounts for 27.8% of overall retail sales.

Jacqui Baker, head of retail at RSM UK and chair of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Retail Group, said: “Retail was one of the winners from June’s heatwave. The hot weather helped to lift the mood among consumers, while early sales tempted shoppers to the high street.”

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“Garden parties were in full swing as households stocked up on barbeque food, boosting food sales. While the June figures are welcome news and consumer confidence ticked up last month, nervousness among consumers persists, and the unexpected rise in inflation won’t have helped,” she added.

The uptick in retail spending comes as executives are warning of the negative effects of higher business rates on supermarkets.

Baker added: “Concerns remain in the sector, as retailers increasingly run out of headroom to mitigate rising costs. Many will be hoping the government steps in to provide meaningful reductions in business rates, as well as raise the threshold at which employers’ National Insurance becomes payable.”