Responding to the latest ONS Retail Sales Index
figures, which showed sales up 2.1% by value, and up 1.2% by
volume, Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British Retail
Consortium, said:
“The record warmth of May led to a small recovery in retail sales
for the month. Larger retailers outperformed small retailers,
with clothing and footwear particularly benefitting from the
change in temperatures. Nonetheless, sales volumes still remain
below their 2021 levels. Retailers hope that the recent start of
Euro 2024 should further improve spending in snacks, alcohol, and
TVs for June's figures – and if England can win their final game
and move forward to Round of 16 , it might give consumer
confidence the boost it needs.
“With the election less than two weeks away, retailers look
forward to working with the next government to understand how
they can support an industry that unlocks over £460bn in consumer
spending a year. Including the retail supply chain, the industry
supports jobs for almost 20% of the workforce, meaning that
improving consumer confidence and unlocking consumer spending is
vital for jobs and investment right across the UK.”
-ENDS-
According to the ONS, on a
Year-on-year seasonally adjusted basis:
-
Sales by Value (amount spent) increased
1.2% YoY
-
Sales by Volume (quantity bought)
increased 2.1% YoY
