14 Jul 2021
Retail sales bounced during the spring with the quarter from April to June showing record growth, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Sales in the second quarter of 2021 rose 28.4% from a year previously and were up 10.4% from 2019.
June's sunny weather and the Euro 2020 football tournament helped to boost trade, the BRC said.
But the BRC warned that many retailers still faced 'strong headwinds' as the UK economy recovers from the pandemic.
In June, fashion and footwear did well, while the start of the Euro 2020 football championship provided a boost for TVs, snack food and beer.
BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said: 'The second quarter of 2021 saw exceptional growth as the gradual unlocking of the UK economy encouraged a release of pent-up demand built up over previous lockdowns.
'In June, while growth in food sales began to slow, non-food sales were bolstered by growing consumer confidence and the continued unleashing of consumer demand.
'With many people taking staycations, or cheaper UK-based holidays, many have found they have a little extra to spend at the shops, with strong growth in-store in June.'