UK retail sales rise 1.4% in May

UK retail sales volumes rose 1.4% in May from April, slightly ahead of analysts' forecasts. Sales had slumped 2.3% in April, thanks to the wet weather and consumers panic-buying petrol in March. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said sales of clothes and shoes had boosted volumes in May. A monthly rise of 1.2% had been expected. Analysts said the ONS data tied in with sales figures reported by retailers in recent weeks. On a year-on-year basis, sales volumes were up 2.4% in May, the latest figures showed. Sales by value rose 1% on the month and 3.3% on the year.