UK retail sales shoot higher in July

London: British retail sales growth hit a three-month high in July, boosted by groceries and summer clothing, according to a survey on Thursday that bucked other signs of a consumer slowdown.

The Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) monthly retail sales balance rose to +22 in July from +12 in June, its highest since April.

Expectations for August were the strongest since December last year, but the CBI warned it might not last. “While retailers expect a similar pace of growth next month, the factors underpinning their sales growth are more shaky,” said Anna Leach, head of the CBI’s economic intelligence.