Retailers:
24% of retailers said that sales volumes were up in July compared with a year earlier, while 38% said they were down, giving a rounded balance of -14%. This followed modest growth in the previous month (+4%). Sales growth is set to fall further in the year to August (-12%).
20% of retailers reported sales volumes to be good for the time of year, with 27% reporting them to be poor, giving a rounded balance of -8%, somewhat below the long-run average of -1%.
9% of retailers placed more orders with suppliers than they did a year ago, and 42% placed fewer, giving a rounded balance of -34%. Orders are predicted to fall further next month (-24%, the weakest expectations since September 2009).
A number of sub-sectors saw reduced sales volumes: particularly grocers (-30%) and the furniture and carpets sector (-90%). But sales increased for non-specialised goods (+52%) and footwear and leather (+44%).
Growth in the volume of internet sales slowed in the year to July (balance of +23%, following +38% in June). The pace of growth dipped well below its long run average (+48%). Internet sales growth is set to remain fairly moderate in August (+29%).
Wholesalers:
20% of wholesalers reported sales volumes to be up on last year and 40% said they were down, giving a balance of -20%. Wholesalers expect sales to drop further in August 2016 (-24%)
Motor trades:
33% of motor traders reported that sales volumes were up on a year ago, while 12% said they were down, giving a balance of +21%, the same as in June, but down from a recent peak of +84% in March. Sales are expected to fall in August (-10%).
