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Retail sales volumes rose by 0.3% in July 2022 following a fall of 0.2% in June 2022, according to the latest data from the Office for national Statistics (ONS).
Sales volumes were 2.3% above their pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) February 2020 levels, but down over the past year.
Looking more broadly, in the three months to July 2022, sales volumes fell by 1.2% when compared with the previous three months which continues the downward trend since summer 2021.
Non-store retailing saw sales volumes rise by 4.8% in July 2022 – with the ONS adding feedback from online retailers suggested that a range of promotions in July 2022 boosted sales.
Automotive fuel sales volumes fell by 0.9% in July 2022, with anecdotal evidence that the heatwave across parts of the UK may have reduced travel and sales.
Meanwhile, non-food stores sales volumes fell by 0.7% over the month because of falls in other non-food stores (negative 1.5%), and clothing stores (negative 1.2%). Food store sales volumes rose by 0.1% in July 2022; sales volumes were 0.1% below their February 2020 levels.
The proportion of retail sales online rose to 26.3% in July 2022, from 25.3% in June 2022; despite this pick-up, it continues a broad downward trend since its peak in February 2021 (37.5%), but remains above pre-pandemic levels (19.8% in February 2020).
Commenting on the figures for July, ONS director of economic statistics Darren Morgan said: “Retail sales nudged up very slightly in July, but looking at the longer-term picture, they are continuing the downward trend which started last summer.
“Online sales did pick up this month, as retailers told us that sales were boosted by a range of offers and promotions. However, fuel sales fell with some evidence suggesting the very hot weather meant fewer people travelling.”
He added: “Clothing and household goods sales declined again, with feedback continuing to indicate consumers are cutting back due to increased prices and concerns around affordability and cost of living.”
