Retail sales values were up 1.4% like-for-like in June this year compared with the same month last year, a total year-on-year increase of 2.9%.
The pick-up is ahead of the year-to-date average increase of 2.8% and better than the 12-month average of 2.4%, according to the BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor for June 2013.

Online sales flourished by 14.1% compared with last June, delivering the best performance since July 2012, excluding Christmas. DIY and gardening products recorded a good month, according to BRC director general Helen Dickinson, who added: "we saw some of the purchases that may have been postponed during the cold weather earlier in the year begin to take place."

The results confirm "the retail recovery is continuing," said Ms Dickinson, although there were some expected pitfalls, such as poorer TV sales compared with last year, when many people upgraded in preparation for the London Olympics.

KPMG head of retail David McCorquodale added: "This is another respectable performance by UK retailers. Sales are moving in the right direction, albeit hard-earned and promotion driven. The statistics are all the more creditable as last year's sales included a Jubilee boost.‪‪

"Periods of sunshine helped to lift the gloom on the high street and retailers celebrated another month of rising sales. Sales of fashion and footwear particularly benefited from the change in seasons as shoppers refreshed their wardrobe and got ready to enjoy the warmer weather. These figures certainly underline the impact that weather can have on a retailer's performance.‪‪

"Retailers will hope that the arrival of a royal baby will deliver a feel good lift to sales this month, as consumers stock up on champagne and commemorative items. While this temporary uplift won't transform the fortunes of the UK retail sector, a mini memorabilia bonanza would still raise some much needed cash for retailers' coffers, putting them on a stronger footing as they restock stores with autumnal ranges.‪‪"