Retail sales rose 5% in June

Total UK retail sales climbed by almost five per cent in the five weeks to 1 July, new research has found.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) put the rise – against a one per cent decline in the same period in 2022 and ahead of the 12-month growth average of four per cent – down to the recent hot weather prompting purchases of “summer essentials”.

“Sun-seekers headed to their favourite retailers to buy swimwear and beach towels, and outdoor games, garden furniture and barbecue food were boosted as families came together to celebrate Father’s Day,” said Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC.

But she added that people were “much more cautious” about big-ticket purchases like furniture and technology equipment throughout the period.

The BRC also found that despite continued food price inflation, food sales in June increased 9.8 per cent, above the 12-month total growth average of 7.7 per cent.

Sainsbury’s recently recorded sales growth of 10 per cent amid suggestions from Bank of England (BoE) governor Andrew Bailey that some retailers may be overcharging customers.

In an interview with the BBC, Bailey recently said the central bank’s position was that it had to act now to bring down inflation or risk further pain from high interest rates in the future.

    Share Story:

Recent Stories


Supplying demand: how fashion retailers can meet the needs of customers and still be sustainable
The fashion industry is no stranger to breaking the mould and setting trends, but the pursuit of style can come at a huge cost to the environment.

New legislation, such as the European Union's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, will set mandatory minimums for the inclusion of recycled fibres in textiles, making them longer-lasting and easier to repair.

The Very Group
The Very Group transformed range and assortment planning using Board.

Watch the full video

Advertisement