UK retailers have experienced the worst period since records began in 2001 . Data from the British Research Consortium , compiled by Nielsen , shows total sales increased 0.3 % this July , compared with 1.6 % 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. Data from the British Research Consortium, compiled by KPMG, shows total sales increased 0.3% this July, compared with 1.6% 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.