UK retail sales went up in June due to the warmer temperatures, according to recently released figures from the British Retail Consortium.

Overall sales in the UK went up by 3.1% annually, a significant jump from the 0.2% decrease in June in the year prior.

The grocery sector saw a sharp increase, with food sales going up by 4.1% in June compared to a 1.8% increase in June 2024.

Additionally, in-store and online non-food sales went up by 2.2% and 2.3% year-over-year, respectively.

Last year in June, in-store non-food sales decreased by 2.6%, while online non-food sales went down by 0.7%.

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Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Retail sales heated up in June, with both food and non-food performing well. The soaring temperatures increased sales of electric fans while sports and leisure equipment was boosted by both the weather and the start of Wimbledon.

“Food sales remained strong, though this was in part driven by food inflation, which has risen steadily over the course of the year.

“The outlook is not all bright and sunny: retailers are watching the government closely for details of the upcoming business rates reform. If the government includes shops within its new higher rates threshold, then many retailers will be forced to rethink their investment plans.”

The news comes on the heels of M&S expressing concern over the proposed increased business rates, which may lead to more store closures and more job layoffs.

Last week, the BRC also reported that there was lower footfall at retail stores due to the higher temperatures across the UK.