Retailers cool off as temperatures return to normal

The heat is off the retail sector. Britain's return to climatic normality is putting the spring back in shoppers' steps.

According to the latest data from traffic monitor SPSL, week-on-week shopper numbers climbed 0.7 per cent last Monday, and on Tuesday jumped 4.1 per cent.

Retail bellwether John Lewis Partnership mirrored the trend as department store sales rebounded.

Sales were up 5 per cent for the week commencing August 10 - the hottest day on record.

Fashion retailer Benetton admitted the heatwave had affected sales, but said last Thursday's and Friday's weather had produced a 'noticeable increase' in customer flow.

- Analysis: page 10.