UK consumers increased food and pub spending in July amid England’s World Cup semi-final run and hot weather, but remained cautious on large-ticket purchases, the British Retail Consortium said. BRC data showed total retail sales rose 1.3% YoY in July, below the average and down from June’s 1.9%. Food sales were up 3.8% YoY while non-food sales fell 0.7%; clothing was supported by the heatwave, footwear declined. IGD CEO Sarah Bradbury said Middle East tensions and sustained high temperatures ar

UK consumers increased food and pub spending in July amid England’s World Cup semi-final run and hot weather, but remained cautious on large-ticket purchases, the British Retail Consortium said. BRC data showed total retail sales rose 1.3% YoY in July, below the average and down from June’s 1.9%. Food sales were up 3.8% YoY while non-food sales fell 0.7%; clothing was supported by the heatwave, footwear declined. IGD CEO Sarah Bradbury said Middle East tensions and sustained high temperatures are intensifying food-supply chain pressure, raising the risk of further food-cost inflation and household budget strain into autumn. Barclays’ broader consumer spending indicator rose 2.0% YoY in July, marginally above June’s 1.9%.