Retailers expect sales volumes to grow at an even stronger pace next month and stocks in relation to expected demand rose, most likely in anticipation of this stronger sales growth.
Among the retail sub-sectors, grocers performed well, as did footwear & leather and clothing shops, whereas sales at chemists declined on a year ago. Internet sales volumes in the retail sector also rose solidly.
Elsewhere, sales in the motor trades sector and wholesaling both continued to grow strongly on a year ago, and are expected to rise at a similar pace next month.
Barry Williams, Chair of the CBI Distributive Trades Survey Panel and Asda SVP and Chief Merchandising Officer for Food, said: “As the temperature began to rise, it seems so did sales volumes. Almost all sectors saw growth, with grocers and clothing stores telling us they performed particularly well as people bought barbeque supplies and summer outfits.
“Retailers expect an even faster rise in sales volumes next month, and are stocking up in anticipation of growing demand.”
Key findings:
- 46 per cent of retailers said sales volumes rose in the year to July
- 51 per cent said they expect sales volumes to grow next month
- Retailers increased their stocks in relation to expected demand, now at the highest level since November 1984.
