UK retailers have seen the worst July since records began in 1995. However, sales of essential items – recorded by spending in supermarkets and on petrol – fell by 0.9%. The ONS said that retail sales fell by 0.1pc to £2.3tn between June and July, compared with a rise of 0.6pc for the same period last year. Average growth in sales in the UK over the last 12 months was 0.5%, the lowest on record, and June and July have likewise produced record-lows. This marks the worst period for the high street in eight years.
UK retailers have seen the worst July since records began in 1995. The ONS said that retail sales fell by 0.1pc to £2.3tn between June and July, compared with a rise of 0.6pc for the same period last year. Average growth in sales in the UK over the last 12 months was 0.5%, the lowest on record, and June and July have likewise produced record-lows. This marks the worst period for the high street in eight years.