UK retail sales fell again in June despite Queen’s jubilee celebrations

Increase in food and drink sales not enough to offset overall impact of cost of living crisis, ONS data shows

A boost to food and drink sales over the Queen's jubilee weekend was not enough to prevent the cost of living crisis from pushing down retail sales last month.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said sales volumes dipped 0.1% in June, after a 1.2% rise in food and drink sales failed to offset a slide in clothing, as well as consumers' reluctance to purchase furniture and other big ticket items.