UK retail gets unexpected boost from online shopping in July

Retail sales volumes, adjusted for inflation and the time of year, rose by 0.3% on the month in July

Excluding fuel purchases, sales were up 0.4% on the month and down 3.0% on the year, stronger than economists' forecasts.

British shoppers spent more than expected last month as many were enticed by online shopping promotions, despite a weaker picture recently as households battled the highest inflation in more than 40 years, official figures showed on Friday.

Retail sales volumes, adjusted for inflation and the time of year, rose 0.3% on the month in July after a downwardly revised drop of 0.2% in June, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.