UK sales sizzle in July
Barbecues and ice cream give retail boost
August 12 2003
Sales of barbecues, ice creams and other seasonal products helped push UK retail in July.
The British Retail Consortium-KPMG Sales showed a like-for-like increase in retail sales of 2.6 per cent, and growth of 5.5 per cent on a total basis, compared with a year earlier.
The three-month trend showed a decreased in like-for-like growth from 3.1 per cent in June to 2.4 per cent in July, and 5.8 per cent in June to 5.2 per cent for total sales.
Seasonal products such as barbeque related items, ice cream and fresh produce and soft drinks performed well. Sales of sun care products were also substantial, while department stores and the DIY sector also had a good month.
Amanda Aldridge, head of retail at KPMG said: “Consumers have been unable to resist bargains in the summer sales and the hot weather has boosted sales of seasonal products. It was a bumper month for summer tops, sandals and sunglasses, together with garden furniture, barbecues and paddling pools, for those retailers who still had stock of these items on their shelves.
“In the food arena, fresh produce, wines, beers, soft drinks, ice cream and ‘anything for the barbecue’ flew but of the store. However, despite the strong performance in certain areas, clothing overall was weaker than in previous months and the market for big-ticket items for the home remains difficult. With predictions of more hot weather to come, food retailers are stocking up on more of the big selling lines. Retailers who are already into their winter ranges are accepting a slow start to the season.”
