Retail sales grew at the fastest pace since September 2017 in the year to June, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Distributive Trades Survey.
The survey of 106 firms also revealed that sales volumes were well above average for the time of year, following three months when they were below seasonal averages. Additionally, the survey reported a jump in growth in the volume of orders placed on suppliers.
Internet sales grew at a faster rate than the long-run average for the first time since January 2018 (although retailers expect growth to ease slightly in the year to July).
Looking ahead, retailers expect growth in sales volumes and orders placed on suppliers to ease in the year to July.
Elsewhere in the distribution sector, wholesalers reported flat sales volumes in the year to June (breaking 22 months of uninterrupted growth) – although firms expect growth to pick-up again in July.
Anna Leach, CBI Head of Economic Intelligence, said: “Higher-than-average temperatures seem to have had a positive impact on shoppers, with retailers benefitting from above-average seasonal sales and improved order volumes growth.
“While the findings will bring some summer cheer to retailers, underlying conditions for the sector remain challenging – household spending remains under pressure from the slow recovery in real wage growth and the sector is still grappling with key structural changes like digital transformation.”
