Supermarket sales of mouthwash soar as socialising returns

UK consumers are dusting themselves off and getting ready to re-enter the world - and you can see it in sales figures

Supermarket sales have fallen compared with a year ago (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

With households allowed to socialise again, shoppers in the UK appeared keen to make a good impression as sales of mouthwash, hairstyling products and shoe polish soared in recent weeks, according to new data.

But as the public head to restaurants and bars again, overall supermarket sales cooled compared to a year ago at a time when shelves were stripped bare and panic buying set in.