Retailers look on sunny side as holidaymakers splash out

Sales of health and beauty products help high street stores bounce back after a disappointing start to the summer

Britain's retailers have received a boost from consumers making themselves beach-ready by increasing their spending on skincare and makeup before their summer holidays, despite the cost of living crisis.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said sales of health and beauty products helped drive up spending on the high street as shoppers made the most of brief spells of sunshine in August, although squeezed consumers were holding back elsewhere.