Retail sales increased by 1.6% on a like-for-like basis in July after the heatwave boosted demand for clothing, picnic items and electric fans.
The year-on-year increase reported by KPMG and the British Retail Consortium was flattered by inflation at over 9% as many firms continue to experience falling sales volumes.
Paul Martin, KPMG’s head of retail, said: “Despite consumer polls suggesting confidence is at an all-time low, this hasn’t translated to money not being spent at the tills, as consumers are determined to enjoy delayed holidays and an unrestricted summer.”
