Footfall reports uplift
The number of shoppers on UK high streets rose for the first time since April, according to the latest figures from retail data company FootFall.

In July, footfall was up 2.5 per cent on June, but was down 2.2 per cent compared to the same period in 2005.

FootFall spokeswoman Natasha Burton said: 'With a post-World Cup lull in demand likely during August and high temperatures set to continue, we would expect footfall levels to remain stifled. Despite this, other consumer indicators are buoyant, with the underlying rate of growth in retail sales rising to 3.6 per cent for the past three months - the strongest growth for 18 months.'

According to FootFall, last Thursday's unexpected rise in interest rates to 4.75 per cent may prove to be a major setback for the retail sector, as it puts 'further pressure on stretched household finances'.