London retail like-for-like sales climbed 2.2 per cent in July while footfall declined due to wet weather.
The sales rise again beats the national average - 1.8 per cent – but by the narrowest margin in nine months. The July sales increase is the second lowest this year.
From May to July, like-for-likes increased 2.5 per cent.
Food, clothing, footwear and outdoor slowed while homewares and furniture benefited from the wettest July on record.
Sterling’s weakness against the euro continued to attract overseas visitors.
BRC director general Stephen Robertson said: “The wettest July on record and the end to many clearance sales help to explain why sales growth is the second lowest this year. Food sales slowed after June’s heatwave-driven boost.
“The pound’s weakness against the euro continued to attract visitors from western Europe. There were also more Middle Eastern visitors shopping in the capital before Ramadan. But, like British shoppers, the overseas visitors have become more cautious about spending.”
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