The quantity of goods bought (volume) in retail sales is estimated to have risen by 0.4% in the three months to May 2026 compared with the three months to February 2026. Non-food stores’ sales volumes rose, with department stores performing well in May because of the good weather. Also within non-food stores, computer and telecoms retailers continued to grow following product releases in March 2026. Non-store retailers rose following strong March and May periods. Retail sales volumes are estimated to have risen by 1.2% in May 2026. This follows a fall of 1.0% in April 2026 (revised up from a 1.3% fall in our previous ... (full story)