UK retail sales rose 1% month-on-month in June, defying analyst expectations of a 0.3% decline, boosted by hot weather and World Cup fever that spurred consumers to buy air conditioners and clothing. May retail sales increased 1.2%, while April's figure was revised to a 0.7% drop from the previously reported 1% decline. The Office for National Statistics said the proportion of online sales in the April to June period rose to 29.4%, the highest level since April 2021, as consumers avoided shopping in stores amid scorching heat.