UK retail sales rose by 0.6% in July, compared to a revised 0.3% increase in June, down from a 0.9% increase. Expectations were for a 0.3% increase. Sales fell by 0.6% in the three months to July compared to the three months to April, after four consecutive months of growth.
In detail, non-store retail sales rose by 2.5% in July, while clothing and footwear stores rose by 2.5%, supported by good weather and an increase resulting from the Women’s European Championship. Motor fuel sales rose by 0.9%, while food sales fell by 0.2%.