Retail sales grew 0.5% in July, following a decline of 0.9% last month, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), as the warm weather and Euros provided a fillip.

Department stores and sports equipment stores reported a boost following summer discounts and sporting events

Sales were also up 1.1% during the three months to July, compared to the three months to April 2024.

Non-food stores sales, including department, clothing, household, and other non-food stores, were up 1.4% during July, following a 1.9% drop in June.

Meanwhile, online sales increased 2.5% for the month, and by 3.6%, compared with July 2023.

British Retail Consortium (BRC) director of insight Kris Hamer said: “Following the gloomy start to summer spending, retailers welcomed the warmer July weather which gave sales growth a boost, particularly in areas such as cosmetics, clothing, footwear, and books as consumers prepared for their summer holidays.

“Computing also sold well as people upgraded their home office tech purchases.”

The trade association exec continued: “Meanwhile, homeware and furniture performed badly, as people concentrated their spending on summer experiences.

“The high cost of living is still bearing down on consumers, but with interest rates finally easing, retailers are hopeful that this will buoy consumers confidence, and with it greater spending, particularly as we head into August.”

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