UK retail sales rise in July on increased tourism, NFDA warns of predictive difficulty

Official figures published the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that overall retail sales in the UK rose 5.9 per cent in July 2016 compared to the same period last year. The ONS suggests that warmer weather as well as weaker sterling have encouraged overseas visitors to spend in the UK, boosting sales.

“Despite expected uncertainty following the EU referendum, retail sales have performed well in July,” said Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association which represents commercial vehicle and franchised car retailers across the UK. “Official figures show a more positive picture than had been originally forecasted. However, it is still difficult to predict the economy for the remainder of the year, which will be very dependent on consumers’ confidence.”