The trend in retail sales growth continues
Published: 27 August, 2009
A sunny start to July strengthened the UK retail market with like-for-like sales rising in value by 1.8 per cent, figures from the BRC reveal.
The 3.6 per cent rise in total sales compared to last year hints at a continuing resurgence, however unsettled weather in July 2008 badly affected summer sales. Putting the figures into context, the average rise in like-for-like sales across three months from May to July stands at 0.8 per cent.
Food and clothing sales fell with the onset of rain and cooler tempertaures. Homeware and furniture, however, showed their best growth since 2006 thanks to clearance discounts.
Helen Dickinson, head of retail at KPMG, said: “On the face of it, last month’s trend has continued with retail sales holding up better than some other areas of consumer spending.
“However the results for the month and the rest of the year need to be considered in the light of the performance last year, which continued to weaken as the year progressed.”
