Retail sales volumes rose by 0.3% in July 2022 following a fall of 0.2% in June 2022; sales volumes were 2.3% above their pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) February 2020 levels, but down over the past year.Looking more broadly, in the three months to July, sales volumes fell by 1.2% when compared with the previous three months; this continues the downward trend since summer 2021.Non-food stores sales volumes fell by 0.7% over the month because of falls in other non-food stores (-1.5%), and clothing stores (-1.2%).Non-store retailing (predominantly online retailers) sales volumes rose by 4.8% in July; feedback from online retailers suggested that a range of promotions in July boosted sales.The proportion of retail sales online rose to 26.3% in July, from 25.3% in June; despite this pick-up, it continues a broad downward trend since its peak in February 2021 (37.5%), but remains above pre-pandemic levels (19.8% in February 2020).
Non-food stores sales volumes fell by 0.7% in July, but are 0.4% above their pre-coronavirus February 2020 levels.The sub-sector of other non-food stores reported a monthly fall in sales volumes of 1.5% in July because of a strong fall in second-hand goods stores (particularly antiques stores and auctioning houses).Household goods stores sales volumes fell by 0.4% in July, mainly because of falls in furniture and lighting stores. Feedback from retailers suggests that consumers are cutting back on spending because of increased prices and affordability concerns.Department store sales volumes rose by 1.4% but were 4.0% below their February 2020 levels.Read the full ONS JULY UPDATE
