When the Office for National Statistics (ONS) withheld July’s sales estimates for two weeks from their original publication date of 22 August ‘for further quality assurance’, some experts braced themselves for a bad set of results. However, the figures have now been released and they actually show an encouraging rise in sales volumes, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero.
Sales volumes (the amount we bought) rose by 0.6% over June and 1.1% year-on-year (YOY). Fashion stores were the big winner. Clothing sales soared by 2.5% in July and 5.5% YOY. The ONS says this was the largest annual rise for this retail sector since January 2023. Retailers told the ONS the rise was due to new products being launched and continued good weather.
Online sales were particularly strong in July. Parcelhero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: ‘Retailers with a healthy online offering will certainly be thinking these figures were worth the wait. Sales volumes from non-store retailers, mainly online retailers, rose by 2.5% in July. Sellers reported that the weather and events such as the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament boosted sales.
‘Likewise, the amount spent online, known as “online spending values”, rose by 2% over June and by 3.7% YOY. This meant online’s share of all retail sales rose from 27.5% in June to 27.8% in July.
‘Crunching the numbers, this is a pretty good set of results, with the total spend – the sum of in-store and online sales – rising by 1%. However, looking at combined High Street and online sales, the quantity of goods bought (volume) is estimated to have fallen by 0.6% in the three months to July when compared to the three months to April. So retailers won’t be cracking open the champagne based on these results but they will be hoping that consumer confidence continues to grow.
‘The fortnight’s delay in July’s retail estimates was due to a correction to the ONS’ seasonally adjusted retail sales, with the ONS revising its January to May 2025 figures in particular to ensure its survey data aligned with calendar months. The delay came at an unfortunate time for the organisation after the Devereux Review on the performance and culture of the ONS found “deep-seated” issues and criticism of its jobs market figures in particular. To ensure the accuracy of its retail estimates, the ONS says it is now working with retailers to move to calendar month reporting periods to remove potential “complexities”.
‘Returning to the High Street, it’s those stores with a combined physical store and online offering that are most protected against inflation pressures and unexpected events.’
Get real time update about this post category directly on your device, subscribe now.
