The Office for National Statistics released its retail sales data for the U.K. on Thursday. Retail sales in the U.K. increased 0.2% in May, exceeding expectations for a flat reading, after a 0.9% gain in April. April's figure was revised down from a 1.2% rise.

The slower growth was driven by lower sales of clothing, which dropped by 1.6% in May. It was the biggest decline since September 2014

Food sales rose 0.6% in May, the biggest rise since December 2014.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the U.K. climbed 4.6% in May, missing forecasts of 4.8% increase, after a 4.6% rise in April. April's figure was revised down from a 4.2% gain.