July Sees Increase In Retail Sales

Both sales volumes and sales values increased during July according to a statistical bulletin from the ONS. Sales volumes increased by 2.8% compared with July 2011 while sales values increased by 3.1% compared with a year ago. There was also an increase in retail sales over the month between June and July. Over the month volumes increased by 0.3% and values by 0.8%. The average weekly spend was £6.7bn compared with £6.6bn in June 2012 and 6.5bn in July 2011. Internet spend was estimated to be £505.1m or 8.5% of all retail sales excluding automotive fuel.

Predominantly food stores increased their sales volumes by 0.9% over last year and their value by 2.9%. Prices are estimated to have increased by 1.9% over the year, the lowest increase since February 2010.