Retail sales grew in May at their strongest rate since the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK last March as the reopening of hospitality venues boosted footfall and spend.

Total sales increased 10% in May compared with the same month in 2019, according to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. That outstripped the 7.3% gains made in April on a two-year basis and the 8.3% growth recorded in March. 

Like-for-like sales jumped 23.7% last month compared with May 2019, a period in which sales decreased 3% from the previous year.

Online growth played a significant role in the surging sales figures with non-food ecommerce sales climbing 39.1% on May 2019 levels.

By: Caoimhe Gordon