More "retail sales NOT falling" news for July - *up* 3.8% on last year 🤷‍♂️ Effects of 🌞😰🌡️won out over the World Cup with food & drink actually falling in volume terms Health & beauty (sun cream?) & furniture (outdoor?) boomed DIY (too hot) & clothing (already bought?) lost out

Strong retail recovery/boomlet at present, independent of June weather patterns. Disguised by @ONS concentration on month/month and general downbeat media economic narrative.

"Rebound" in May's @ONS retail sales was just a reversion towards the recovery trend People splashed out (literally) on paddling pools, outdoor furniture, fans & new tech items. Fashion grew, albeit less strongly. The emphasis was on enjoyment at home as consumers drove less❌🚗

The retail recovery genuinely under way since the start of 2025 has been stopped in its tracks by rocketing petrol prices. Even seasonally-adjusted, excluding the effect of losing Good Friday from the April figures, and ex fuel, sales were up just 1.1% on 2025.

"Better than expected" @ONS retail sales in March, apparently. For those of us unable to read a trend literally shouting its presence in everyone's face for at least the past year, perhaps.

So setting aside the volatile and rather meaningless month on month comps of @ONS, it turns out that yes, there is a strengthening retail recovery going into 2026. Happy days! Spend on home going great guns. Massive online/non-store growth looks a bit 🤨 though

"Surprise" growth in December @ONS retail sales, you say? Er, no. Totally expected, more like. Adjusting for Black Friday bump to Nov, Dec was just more of the same: steady recovery. 🛋️🪑🛌 👗🥼👟 & online booming Fading 💄 effect indicates recession mode consumption over