UK Retail Sales Jump 1% in June, Handily Beat Forecasts

UK retail sales volumes rose 1% in June from the previous month, the Office for National Statistics said Thursday. Economists had forecast a 0.3% decline. The gain followed an unrevised 1.2% increase in May.

Excluding auto fuel, sales were up 1.1% on the month. Online retailers led the advance, with non-store sales jumping 4.4%. Clothing stores rebounded 1.9% after recent weakness. Food sales edged higher. The strength was broad across categories, retailers said, citing promotions and warm weather.

Fuel sales were the exception, falling 0.8% from May as pump prices stayed elevated. For the second quarter, total sales volumes rose 1.2% from the first quarter, suggesting household spending continues to support the economy.