UK retail sales values rose 1.2% on a like-for-like (lfl) basis in June, compared to the same month last year, according to the latest report from the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.
On a total basis, sales were up 3.4% against a 3.2% increase in June 2009.

Food sales growth was about the same as in May, said the report, thanks to hot weather and the World Cup. Outdoor DIY and leisure improved due to the sunny weather, but at the expense of indoor homewares.

Non-food, non-store sales in June were 17.3% higher than a year ago, but were down from 21.9% in May. However, June's gain came against a similar increase in June 2009, while May's gain was against a weak May 2009.

British Retail Consortium director general Stephen Robertson said: "This is decent sales growth, mainly explained by good weather and earlier summer clearances. The performance is better when you remember the comparison is with a similarly strong performance in sunny June a year ago.

"Barbecue products, salads and ready meals were in big demand. In non-food retailing it was a mixed picture. TVs were really the only football-related item that generated significant spending. Other items, flags and souvenirs, were high profile but relatively low value. Most of the time, minds were outdoors. Homewares and indoor DIY lost out. Garden goods did better."

He concluded: "the Budget is affecting confidence but it won't be until the impact of the measures is actually felt that it really hits spending."