Retail sales in July increased 0.5% in value from the previous month, according to the ONS.

The government data body said that the Olympics, which kicked off on July 27, had no impact on sales in the trading period.

Sales volumes for the month remained flat against June’s figure.  

BRC director general Stephen Robertson said: “July was no golden month for retailers despite the build-up to the Olympics. Overall the run-up to the Games did not inspire a boost to food and drink, souvenirs or luxury goods bought by tourists. 

“We’ll need to see August’s figures for the full picture. But with disposable incomes still under pressure and with inflation sneaking back up, underlying conditions remain challenging for the sector.”

Year-on-year sales volumes were up 3.3% and 3.8% in value terms. All figures exclude fuel sales.

Barclays head of retail and wholesale Richard Lowe said: “It will be some comfort to retailers that consumers are still spending, albeit more modestly than they would perhaps like.”

Food sales edged up 0.9% in volume year on year and 2.9% in value, while non-food sales rose 4% in volume and 3.4% in value.

Internet sales soared 15.2% in volume and 13.9% in value year on year. Online now represents 8.5% of total retail sales, according to ONS.