Non-food suffers in sales growth slowdown

The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for July shows UK retail sales values rose just 0.5% on a like-for-like basis from July 2009, when sales had increased 1.8%.

On a total basis, sales were up 2.6% against a 3.6% increase in July 2009.

Food sales growth picked up, though the growth was flattered by a smaller gain a year ago.

Clothing sales growth was boosted by clearance deals but footwear was more difficult.

Homewares fell back, with big-ticket items in particular hit by consumer uncertainty over job cuts and income prospects.

Non-food non-store sales (internet, mail-order and phone sales) slowed in July and were 11.3% higher than a year ago, the weakest growth for almost a year.

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