UK retail sales dip in June as households grapple with inflation

Pick up in food sales due to Jubilee

Retail sales volumes in the UK fell by 0.1% in June as consumers continue to grapple with inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, data from the Office for National Statistics show.

The dip was lower than expected, with economists polled by Reuters expecting a 0.3% monthly fall, but continued the downward trend seen since summer 2021. Retail remains 2.2% above its pre-pandemic level. "After taking account of rising prices, retail sales fell slightly in June and although they remain above their pre-pandemic level, the broader trend is one of decline," said Heather Bovill, statistician at the ONS. UK retail sales slip in May as consumer confidence falls to lowest on record Retail sales fell even as food store sales volumes increased by 3.1% due to Jubilee festiv...