Retail sales volumes grew solidly in the year to July, rebounding from a disappointing performance a month earlier, according to the latest CBI Monthly Distributive Trades Survey. Retailers expect sales volumes to grow at an even stronger pace next month and stocks in relation to expected demand rose, most likely in anticipation of this stronger sales growth. Among the retail sub-sectors, grocers performed well, as did footwear & leather and clothing shops, whereas sales at chemists declined on a year ago. Internet sales volumes in the retail sector also rose solidly. Elsewhere, sales in the motor trades sector and ... (full story)