U.K.’s May Retail Sales Volumes Decreased by 1.4%

Source: Office of National Statistics  

U.K.’s retail sales volumes in May 2021 came down by 1.4% after April’s sharp increase following relaxation of retail restrictions. FTSE 100 is down 0.80% GPBUSD is down 0.23%

• Food stores and non-store sellers witnessed the highest monthly decrease in sales volume in May of 5.7% and 4.2% respectively as restrictions for hospitality and non-essential items were relaxed.
• Non-food dealers experienced increase in sales volumes of 2.3% in May after a growth of 25.6% in April. 
• Increased travels saw automotive fuel sales go up by 6.2% from April.
• Online spending figures went down by 5.7% in May from April.
• Sales pattern in both value and volume came down 0.8% and 1.4% respectively.
• Retail sales volumes in May 2021 were 24.6% more than same period last year when tough measures were put in place after the pandemic.