Retail sales in the year to May fell at the fastest pace since October 2017, according to the latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey. The survey of 90 firms, of which 42 were retailers, also showed that the volume of sales for the time of year were at their poorest since March 2009, but are expected to be broadly in line with seasonal norms next month. Orders placed on suppliers in the year to May also fell, at their fastest pace in 19 months. Conditions for retailers have further deteriorated with investment intentions for the year ahead reaching their lowest in survey history (since 1983). Employment also fell ... (full story)