Retail revenues are estimated to have risen last month, as non-store retailers and clothing stores sales grew strongly.
Retail sales volumes are forecast to have increased 0.6% over July, following a 0.3% boost the month prior, according to the latest data from government department the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Non-store retailing sales volumes were up 2.5% over the period, while clothing and footwear sales also rose 2.5%.
Household goods sales volumes increased 0.5% during the month, as department store sales volumes dropped 1.5%.
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The Oasis reunion in particular provided a boost to hotels, pubs and retailers as fans kitted out in new outfits for the headline event.
Commenting on the data, RSM UK head of retail and ICAEW’s Retail Group chair Jacqui Baker said: “The hottest summer on record combined with sporting events, concerts including two Mancunian brothers on a comeback tour, and the usual influx of overseas visitors brought good results for the retail sector.”
“The delayed data helped to balance out some of the volatility seen in the first half of the year, but the positive trend remains intact. Retail sales have grown strongly in the last two months following the tax and tariff disruption in April.”
She added: “Despite a small dip in consumer confidence in July, overall, it appears to be ticking up. But there’s every possibility that this progress could be undone with ongoing speculation and uncertainty over tax rises in the lead up to the later than expected Budget.
“This uncertainty could be a big hit to the all-important Golden Quarter, which would be particularly damaging for the retail sector.”
The figures follow reports that high street sales have recorded their highest growth since August 2023.
Total like-for-like retail sales in-store and online rose 3.9% in August, compared to a base of -0.7% in August 2024, the latest high street sales tracker from accountancy BDO revealed.
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