UK’s retail sales show positive turn in July

By Emir Yildirim

ISTANBUL (AA) - The UK’s retail sales rebounded in July, with a 0.5% month-on-month increase, according to preliminary figures released by the Office for National Statistics on Friday.

This growth contrasts with a 0.9% decline observed in June.

Department store sales surged by 4%, while other non-food stores saw a 2.5% increase. Non-store retailing also grew by 0.7% in July.

However, sales of textiles, clothing, and footwear fell by 0.6%, and automotive fuel sales dropped by 1.9%, following a 2.2% rise in the previous month.

Overall, the total retail sales volume for non-food, department, clothing, household, and other non-food stores increased by 1.4% in July, reversing a 1.9% decline in June.

The report attributed the rise in sales to summer discounts and promotions, particularly in department and sports equipment stores.

Online spending saw a notable increase, with all online retailing (excluding fuel) rising by 2.5%. Department store sales online surged by 10.6%, food store sales increased by 1%, and other non-food stores saw a 1.8% rise on a monthly basis in July.