London - Retail sales in Britain increased in May as shoppers snapped up new televisions for the World Cup, official data showed on Thursday.
Sales grew by 0.6% last month, but were revised down to a flat reading in April, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) added in a statement.
They climbed by 2.2% in May compared with 12 months earlier - the strongest year-on-year gain since November 2009.
"There was some evidence from some respondents that the World Cup did have an impact on the sale of electrical goods," an ONS spokesperson said.
Market expectations had been for a monthly increase of 0.3% and an annual rise of 2.1%, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
"The breakdown of the May sales data suggest that there was a boost from the World Cup," said IHS Global Insight economist Howard Archer.
"Household goods sales jumped 1.7% month-on-month as they were likely lifted markedly by sales of widescreen televisions so that fans could enjoy the football more.
"Food sales rose 1.0%, likely reflecting the stocking up of food, snacks and drinks to watch the matches at home."
- AFP