UK retail sales volumes rose 0.5% month-on-month in August 2026, defying market expectations of a 0.2% fall and rebounding from a 0.5% decline in July. Non-store retailers partially recovered from July’s decline, when earlier promotional activity in June pulled sales forward. Non-food store sales volumes rose 0.6%, with department stores recovering from stock availability issues and clothing retailers rebounding after weaker July sales. Food stores also performed well over the three months to August, with supermarkets reporting strong sales in July and August. Retailers selling alcohol and beverages cited promotions, hot weather and the World Cup as factors supporting sales. Meanwhile, fuel sales fell over the month as prices rose sharply, with retailers reporting that consumers were changing their habits, including only partially filling their tanks.