In July 2017, the quantity bought (volume) in retail sales increased by 0.3% compared with the previous month, due to strong sales in food stores at 1.5%; recovering from a fall of 1.1% in June 2017.

All other sectors except food and household goods stores declined on the month for the quantity bought in retail sales.

The underlying pattern in the quantity bought, measured by the 3 month on 3 month estimate, shows an increase of 0.6%.

The quantity bought increased by 1.3% compared with July 2016; the 51st consecutive year-on-year increase in retail sales since April 2013.

Online sales increased year-on-year by 15.1% and by 0.3% on the month, accounting for approximately 16.0% of all retail spending.