The survey of 131 firms, of which 58 were retailers, showed that the volume of sales grew modestly over the year, beating expectations for a further fall this month. However, sales volumes look set to be broadly flat over the next month. The volume of orders placed upon suppliers fell for a fifth consecutive month although retailers expect them to grow somewhat in the year to September. While grocers’ sales were broadly flat in the year to August, clothing reported a strong month for sales volumes. Growth in internet sales volumes picked up over the same period, outstripping expectations, with broadly similar growth ... (full story)