England team helped drive up shop sales

England’s footballers helped drive up shop sales in June as fans bought more food and drink, according to new figures

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) say retail sales volumes increased by 0.5% in June -surpassed the expectations of analysts who had forecast a flat performance.

TheONSsaysthe rise was primarily caused by strong sales of food and drink – which rose by 4.2% -and is being associated with the start of the Euro 2020 tournament and the success of Gareth South gate’ s team.

The figures represented a rebound following a 5.5% fall in food store sales in May.

ONS director of economic statistics Darren Morgan said: "June's retail sales have picked up again following the dip seen last month, with the main driver coming from food and drink sales, boosted by football fans across Britain enjoying the Euros.

"Although not quite back to their pre-pandemic level, fuel sales rose again this month, as people increased the amount they travel so are spending more at the pump ."

Motor fuel sales increased by 2.3% over the month but remain 2.1% below prepandemic levels, the ONS said.

The latest figures show that non-food stores still saw lower sales, with a 1.7% decrease in June.

Lisa Hooker, consumer markets leader at PwC, said: "The first full month of re openingfor indoor hospitality was always going to be make or break for the retail sector.

"The combination of both food and drink sales to supporters celebrating the home teams' successes at the Euros seems to have particularly benefited June's results.”