In May 2017, the quantity bought in the retail industry was estimated to have increased by 0.9% compared with May 2016; the annual growth rate was last lower in April 2013.

Non-food stores were the main contributing factors to this slowdown with an annual fall of 1.2% and predominantly food stores saw the lowest annual growth since July 2013 at 0.1%.

Month-on-month, the quantity bought was estimated to have fallen by 1.2% following strong growth in April 2017.

The underlying pattern, as measured by the 3 month on 3 month change showed growth of 0.6% in May 2017.

Average store prices (excluding fuel) increased by 2.8% on the year; the largest growth since March 2012.