Retail sales rose by value in June but volumes inched down, the latest official data shows.
Sales excluding fuel climbed 7.8% year on year while volume was down 0.9%, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported. Month-on-month sales advanced 1.2% by value and volume was ahead 0.8%.
Food store volumes “bounced back” during June, generating growth of 0.7% after a fall of 0.4% in May. Some grocers reported that good weather and promotions benefited sales in June.
Non-food store volumes rose 1% in June, following a fall of 0.5% in May.
“Department stores and furniture retailers reported that summer Sales and increased footfall helped boost volumes,” the ONS noted.
Non-store retailer volumes rose 0.2% in June following a rise of 2.4% in May.
On a quarterly basis, volumes rose by 0.4% compared with the three months to March.
PwC leader of industry for consumer markets Lisa Hooker said: “Overall, the positive trend for retail sales through the second quarter gives us cautious optimism for the outlook for the rest of 2023.
“Despite the cost-of-living crisis, wage and benefit increases have put more pounds in shoppers’ wallets just as inflation has started to ease.
“While the cost of most things is still higher than last year, the recent cuts in prices of essentials are making consumers feel more optimistic, and these figures are suggesting they’re starting to spend too.”
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