UK retail sales unexpectedly rose last month as the hot weather and World Cup boosted spendingUK retail sales unexpectedly rose last month as the hot weather and World Cup boosted spending on air conditioning and sports kits, official figures show. The ONS said the total volume of retail sales, which measures the quantity bought, increased by 1% in June. Between April and June, retail sales are estimated to have risen by 0.6% compared with the first three months of the year, according to the ONS. The share of online sales was 29.4% in June, the highest since April 2021. Sandra Prince, head of consumer at Lloyds, said: “Warmer weather and World Cup excitement have helped deliver another positive month for retailers, encouraging spending across clothing, garden furniture and other seasonal ranges.