British retailers saw a rise in sales last month after a boost from Euro 2024 and summer discounting, according to official figures.
High street retailers said sales of football shirts, electronics such as TVs, and alcoholic drinks were all stronger amid the Three Lions’ journey to the final.
Total retail sales volumes rose by 0.5% in July, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. It was, however, slightly below predictions, with economists forecasting a 0.7% increase.
It followed a 0.9% slump in volumes in June as retail firms blamed uncertainty ahead of the general election and poor weather.
ONS director of economic statistics, Liz McKeown, said: “Retail sales grew in July led by increases in department stores and sports equipment shops, with both the Euros and discounting across many stores boosting sales.
“These increases were offset by a poor month for clothing and furniture shops, and falling fuel sales, despite prices at the pump falling.”
The data showed that non-food stores saw a 1.4% rise, driven by a strong performance from department stores, where sales grew by 4% for the month as summer sales helped to stoke demand.
However, clothing and footwear shops saw a 0.6% dip, whilst homeware retailers also saw volumes fall 0.6%. Food stores, meanwhile, saw sales remain flat for the month.
Leave a Reply