Retail sales in the UK picked up slightly last month, according to new figures released this morning from KPMG and the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Like-for-like sales in June were 0.6 per cent up on the previous year, while total sales increased by 2.5 per cent. Food retailers also experienced a busier month after a disappointing June, along with fashion retailers who saw clothing and footwear sales increase.
A boards and window displays announcing summer sales and discounts were visible outside many high street shops, which helped to entice customers and boost sales. Industry analysts are asking what effect the discounting strategy will have on long-term margins however.
Helen Dickinson, head of retail at KPMG, said: "July was a better month than June, seeing an improving trend for the food sector and an uplift for clothing when the good weather finally kicked in.
"However, retailers of big-ticket items continue to find the market conditions challenging, with customers still reluctant to make major spending commitments."
Research conducted by retail analysis firm IGD claimed 50 per cent of all shoppers are now checking the prices of every single item they buy, while a similar number are comparing prices between retailers.
