Summary: Retail sales in July experienced a significant decline of 1.2%, worse than the anticipated 0.5% contraction. The Office for National Statistics attributes the decline to the exceptionally wet weather, marking July 2023 as the wettest July since 2009. Department stores, clothing shops, and supermarkets were among the hardest-hit sectors, with supermarkets showing the most pronounced decline in sales. Online shopping defied the trend, posting a 4.4% year-on-year increase and accounting for 27.4% of total retail sales, the highest proportion in months. ...