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Retail sales in Great Britain fell sharply in July, as the boost from the Euro 2020 football tournament faded and people dined out more, and so bought less food and drink to consume at home.
Retail sales volumes dropped 2.5% from the month before, according to the Office for National Statistics, while economists had expected a small rise of 0.4%. In June, sales rose by 0.5%.
Food sales declined 1.5% last month after a 3.9% increase in June when sales were boosted by the Euros. Petrol and diesel sales fell 2.9%, the first monthly decline since February, as heavy rainfall in early July led to fewer cars on the road.
Clothes and household goods stores both reported declines of 2% while department stores were the only sector to report monthly growth, of 0.2%.
The ONS said transportation delays had resulted in shortages of some items, such as electrical goods. Other non-food stores such as chemists, toy stores and sports retailers suffered a 10.1%…
