Food in growth year-on-year: BRC

There was a period of growth for food sales during the early summer period, with an increase of 2.6% year-on-year over the three months to July.

For the month of July, food was in growth year-on-year, the latest British Retail Consortium figures reveal.

There was a boost for clothing and beauty, as summer made an appearance, however, as consumers spent on holidays and entertainment, sales of indoor goods, such as furniture and household appliances, were squeezed out noted Helen Dickinson, Chair of the British Retail Consortium.

“Retail sales returned to growth, driven by an increase in food purchases,” said Helen Dickinson.

“Now that election uncertainty is over and government is rolling out plans to kickstart economic growth, retailers are planning their own investment strategies.

“Many will be looking to the Autumn Budget, keen to see an end to business rates rises under the new Labour Government. They will also be looking for any details of the reform of the whole business rates system, promised in Labour’s manifesto,” she added.

Sarah Bradbury, CEO at IGD added that shopper confidence rose nine points in the days immediately after the election, while England’s success at the Euros inspired a nine-point increase in focus on quality.

“Grocery sales in July were higher than last year, with sales particularly strong in the final two weeks of the month,” said Sarah.

“While the new government sets expectations around change taking time, shoppers are adjusting their outlook. As Labour lay out their plans for the years ahead, we expect to see further divergence in experience.”