Retail Sales Rebound in June While High Street Struggles

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Retail Sales Surprise: Online Winners, Brick‑and‑Mortar Let Down

June’s numbers have come in bright, and for the first time since August 2023 the total in‑store and online floor plans grew by +3.2 %. That’s the second month in a row to hit the green after five consecutive slump‑months.

What’s Really Driving the Growth?

Online sales took the spotlight — a jump of +9.8 %, proving folks still love the convenience of shopping from the couch.
In‑store pressure was minimal: a modest +1.8 % because the usual “shop‑the‑high‑street” vibe hasn’t returned yet.

Speaking about slow footfall despite a sunny late‑month, BDO’s Head of Retail & Wholesale, Sophie Michael, noted, “It’s a bleak scene on the high street. The heat’s welcome, but it’s not enough to bring people out of their homes.”

Sector Highlights (June 2024)

Fashion – The high street continues its 10‑month run of negative sales, falling ‑6.7 % year‑over‑year, while online sales +9.9 % keep the sector afloat.
Homewares – A bright streak; in‑store growth kept the totals up, even though online sales dipped ‑8.3 % for the second month.
Lifestyle – A charming positive trend, with +7.5 % total sales and solid gains both in‑store and online.

Sophie added, “After a long dip, the retail scene is starting to breathe. Inflation easing and a bit more consumer confidence feel like hope. But the uneven mix still flips markets on a dime. Retailers are stuck guessing which promos to run and which stock to stock up on – a real headache for tight budgets.”

Fashion merchants are feeling the pinch after ten straight months of negative high‑street sales. A government plan, promising a five‑point revival for city centres, might finally bring shoppers back into town. But for the 2024 retail ecosystem, the hope is still just a few steps away.