•Compared with a year ago (July 2013 compared with July 2012) the quantity bought in the retail industry increased by 3.0%. The main sources of upward pressure came from the predominantly food and non-store retailing sectors. •Within the food sector, the quantity bought in July 2013 increased by 2.1% compared with July 2012. This was the highest increase since April 2011. •Feedback from supermarkets suggested that the sunny weather boosted sales across a range of products including food, alcohol, clothing and outdoor items. •Looking at the monthly picture (July 2013 compared with June 2013), the quantity bought ... (full story)