Fall in retail sales in all sectors except forecourts

Retail sales fell across all shop types, with the exception of petrol forecourts, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Food stores fell by 1.1% in June 2024 and by 1.3% in Quarter 2 2024, when compared with Quarter 1 2024. This was mainly due to supermarkets. Retailer commentary suggested that both poor weather and economic conditions had an effect, as consumers showed caution with their spending.

Non-food stores sales volumes (the total of department, clothing, household, and other non-food stores) fell by 2.1% in June 2024. This follows a rise of 3.3% in May 2024. All sub-sectors fell over the month, with strong downward contributions from department stores, clothing and footwear retailers, and furniture stores.

Overall, retail sales volumes (quantity bought) are estimated to have fallen by 1.2% in June, following a rise of 2.9% in May 2024, according to the ONS.

Commenting on the retail sales figures for June and Q2, ONS Chief Economist, Grant Fitzner said: “Retail sales fell back from May’s recent high point with falls across all main shop types, with the exception of petrol stations. Department stores, clothing shops and furniture stores were the biggest contributions to the fall.

“Across the second quarter as a whole, retail fell very slightly with notable falls in supermarket and clothing store sales, partially offset by growth in online stores.”