(Correcting the name of the director at Accenture.)

Retail sales in the UK rose in July, the Office for National Statistics reported Friday.

Retail sales volumes are estimated to have climbed 0.5% monthly in July after a decline of 0.9% in June from May. The June estimate was upwardly revised from a previously reported 1.2% fall.

On-year, retail sales growth was 1.4% in July, as the ONS noted that comparably poor weather hurt sales in July 2023.

‘Department stores and sports equipment stores reported a boost following summer discounts and sporting events,’ the ONS highlighted.

Sales volumes were up 1.1% in the three months to July compared to the three months to April.

Matt Jeffers, retail strategy & consulting managing director for Accenture in the UK & Ireland said: ‘A hat-trick of the Euros, Wimbledon and Olympics has brought a moderate boost to retail sales in July, helped along by the warmer weather. With holiday season well underway, retailers benefited from a strong performance in department stores and sports equipment.’

Looking ahead, he added: ‘Retailers can feel optimistic heading into August, as the ongoing summer holiday period and back-to-school shopping could continue to drive sales. However, the slow start to Spring-Summer will mean many retailers are now juggling inventory and feeling pressure to start clearance sales. They may inevitably have to take a hit to margins in certain areas to maintain this positive momentum into next month.’

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