PRESS ASSOCIATION -- The struggle on the high street has been underlined as official figures revealed a greater-than-expected slowdown in retail sales.
Retail sales volumes increased month-on-month by 0.2% in July, compared to a revised 0.8% boost in June, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. Economists had expected a 0.4% rise.
Household goods stores, clothing and footwear shops, and non-store retailing, which includes internet and mail order sales, all suffered as cash-strapped consumers reined in their spending.
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The retail sector has suffered at the hands of a squeeze on household budgets - driven by muted wage growth and high inflation, which was 4.4% in July, up from 4.2% the previous month.