British consumers are shopping for extra in shops this summer time as they take pleasure in low costs – however general retail gross sales disenchanted in July.
Advertisement
Sales volume increased by 4.2pc in July compared with the same month a year earlier, marking the 28th month of year-on-year sales growth. Increases were offset predominantly by falls in food stores, textile, clothing and footwear stores, and petrol stations, said ONS.
Commenting on the figures, Richard Lowe, head of retail and wholesale at Barclays, said: “Retailers should be pleased with today’s ONS retail sales figures”.
The three-month on three-month movement in the quantity bought showed growth for the 29th consecutive month, increasing by 0.5%.
Retail sales inched up on June 2015, increasing by 0.1%, with increases reported by department stores, “other” stores, household good stores and non-store retailing.
This helped household goods sales rise 3.6% by volume between June and July, with electrical appliances, furniture and lighting items among those selling well. Fuel prices were again the biggest contributor, however, reporting a 10.9% fall.
Low inflation and faster wage growth, along with a booming housing market, are helping to support consumer spending. There was a rise of +4.2% in July 2015, compared with July 2014 which was lower compared with the forecast of +4.4%.
Advertisement
Retail gross sales within the UK grew by zero.1pc in contrast with the earlier month, in line with disappointing specialists who had anticipated progress to be 4 occasions stronger.
