Reflects cooler weather in first half of the month (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - London, 09 Jul - In June, retail sales in the UK rose 0.2%, slowing from the 0.7% increase seen in May and reflecting the cooler weather in the first half of the month, according to the latest data released by the British Retail Confederation (BRC) and consultancy KPMG.

'Despite pressure on household finances easing, with petrol and energy costs and shop price inflation all continuing to fall, consumers remain incredibly reluctant to take the brakes off of their spending," said Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure at KPMG.

"The stimulus of good weather, Wimbledon and Euro 24, which was hoped would drive consumer spending, has so far failed to materialise and financial concerns remain with many households." Food and drink sales rose just 1.16%, while clothing and footwear also saw a disappointing performance, with negative growth both on the high street and online.

"The overall economic conditions may slowly be improving, but the health of the sector remains fragile, and action is needed now to help support this vital economic contributor - particularly around neglected areas such as business rate reform," Ellett added.

AAA-Sch

(RADIOCOR) 09-07-24 11:38:51 (0287) 5 NNNN