As the temperature across the UK rose so did retail sales in most sub-sectors, with solid growth reported in the year to July.
That's according to the latest CBI Monthly Distributive Trades Survey.

The survey found that 51% of retailers expect sales volumes to grow at an even stronger pace next month as the weather continues to stay warm.

Hardware and DIY stores experienced a growth of 20%, whereas furniture and carpet retailers experienced the greatest growth of the retail sub-sectors with a growth of 51%.

However, not every sub-sector is having a good year. Chemists have seen a drop in growth of 50%.

Chair of the CBI Distributive Trades Survey Panel, Barry Williams, said: "As the temperature began to rise, it seems so did sales volumes.

"Almost all sectors saw growth, with grocers and clothing stores telling us they performed particularly well as people bought barbecue supplies and summer outfits.

"Retailers expect an even faster rise in sales volumes next month, and are stocking up in anticipation of growing demand."

The survey also found that the volume of internet sales also grew strongly with a growth of 37%.