British retailers have reported their strongest seasonal sales in more than four years in June, according to the CBI, with online sales slowing as consumers rush back to the high street.
The easing of lockdown restrictions on shops and the hospitality industry across the UK, coupled with growing confidence in going out as the vaccination programme continues apace, fuelled the strongest sales since November 2016.
As shoppers returning to physical stores the rate of internet sales slowed to the weakest pace since last April.
“After a generally gloomy 2021 so far, the sun finally shone for retailers in June, with seasonal sales volumes the strongest since November 2016,” said Ben Jones, the principal economist at the CBI.
“This was the latest sign that the success of the vaccination programme is feeding through to stronger consumer confidence which, along with the reopening of hospitality, is encouraging shoppers back on to the streets.”
However, retailers are struggling to keep up with demand. Stock levels, compared with expected sales demand, hit the lowest level since the CBI…
