Summer sales up 3.3 per cent

According to this report in the Retail Bulletin, retail sales rose by 3.3 per cent in July compared with July 2008.

Total sales volume rose by 1.6 per cent in the three months leading to July, compared with the same period last year.

The positive news follows reports that bike sales were also up in July compared with July 2008.

Retail footfall also rose for the second consecutive month in July this year.