MNI BRIEF: Jump In UK Jun Food Sales Mask Underlying Weakness

The 4.2% jump in food sales linked to the European football championships obscured underlying retail weakness, with nearly every sector suffering hefty losses. Household good sales ended a long winning streak, falling by 10.9% between May and June, amid reports of supply shortages of furniture and electronic equipment.

Excluding food and fuel, only "other goods" recorded a gain last month, with sales at second-hand shops contributing to an 8.6% gain, although statisticians cautioned about the volatility in that series. Internet sales fell by 4.7% between May and June, recording a 8.7% decline, taking interest sales to 26.7% of total sales from 28.4% in May.