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‘Growing gap’ between UK high streets and online shopping

Overall sales volumes have fallen for the ninth consecutive month, according to CBI data — Overall sales volumes have fallen for the ninth consecutive month, according to CBI data (Getty Images)

UK high streets experienced a disappointing June, with overall sales increasing by a modest 0.6 per cent year-on-year.
In-store sales growth has been below the rate of inflation for the sixth consecutive month, indicating a significant drop in sales volumes.
Online sales surged by 4.3 per cent, with fashion seeing a 10 per cent jump online compared to a 0.2 per cent decline on the high street.
Consumers are described as "incredibly cautious" due to rising job losses and volatile geopolitical conditions, impacting discretionary spending.
Sophie Michael, head of retail and wholesale at BDO, commented that there is a “growing gap between the performance of physical stores and online retail”.

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