UK retailers expect sales to fall sharply in July, according to the Distributive Trades Survey results published by the Confederation of British Industry.
A net 46 percent of retailers said sales declined in June compared to 27 percent in May. The balance was forecast to rise to -24 percent. A net 49 percent expect sales to fall again next month.
Sales volumes for the time of year were judged to be "poor" in June. About 37 percent said sales were poor, worse than -19 percent in May. A net 38 percent expect July's sales to fall short of seasonal norms to a broadly similar degree.
Online retail sales volumes increased slightly in June. The balance declined sharply to 6 percent from 37 percent in May. Online sales were expected to grow again next month, with the balance rising 8 percent.
"The contraction in retail was mirrored across wholesale and motor trades, with many firms reporting that consumer caution continues to hold back sales," CBI Principal Economist Martin Sartorius said.
"These data suggest that underlying activity remains subdued in the distribution sector," Sartorius added.
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December 26, 2025 08:42 ET Third quarter economic growth data from some major economies including the U.S. were the main news in this holiday shortened week. GDP growth and industrial production data from the U.S. helped to boost morale, while the consumer confidence survey results were less upbeat. In Europe, the quarterly economic growth data from the U.K. drew attention, while the minutes of the Australian central bank’s latest policy session was in focus in Asia.