May 2019 UK Retail Sales: Soft Growth, Driven by Smaller Retailers

Key Points

Coresight Research’s monthly reports keep you up to date on US and UK retail sales, US retail traffic and in-store metrics, selected US retailers’ same-store sales and key global consumer indicators. Click here to view our full collection of Monthly Reports.

Our monthly UK Retail Sales Report reviews the latest sector data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Highlights from our May UK Retail Sales Report:

• The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported weak growth of 2.1% year over year in May, driven by smaller retailers. Large retailers, which form the bulk of most sectors, eked out a 0.9% year-over-year increase.
• Clothing stores, department stores/mixed-goods retailers and DIY/hardware stores all saw sales decline, with poor weather likely contributing. Grocery retailer sales were up only slightly.
• Shop-price inflation stood at 0.1% in May, meaning almost all gains (where there were gains) were volume driven.