Retail sales volumes are estimated to have fallen by 1.2% in July 2023 following a rise of 0.6% in June 2023 (revised from an increase of 0.7%). Food stores sales volumes fell by 2.6% in July 2023, with supermarkets reporting that the wet weather reduced clothing sales, although food sales also fell back; retailers indicated that the increased cost of living and food prices continued to affect sales volumes. Non-food stores sales volumes fell by 1.7% in July 2023, following a rise of 0.6% in June 2023; retailers reported that the fall over the month was because of poor weather reducing footfall. Automotive fuel ... (full story)