<p>Latest data to defy economic gloom shows 0.5% rise boosted by purchases of sports items, aircon units and fans during heatwaves</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2026/sep/18/japan-raises-interest-rates-central-bankers-fight-inflation-gb-retail-sales-rise-latest-news-updates">Business live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p></p><p>Retail sales across Great Britain unexpectedly rose last month, the latest economic indicator to defy gloomy forecasts as the chance