British retailers saw sales rise last month after a boost from Euro 2024 and summer discounting, official figures show, in a further sign of a growing economy.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales grew 0.5% last month, after contracting 0.9% in June.

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The increase was thanks to discounts in sports equipment shops and department stores as the Euros football tournament drove purchases, the ONS added.

High street retailers said sales of football shirts, electronics such as TVs and alcoholic drinks were all stronger during England’s journey to the Euros final.

Retail sales figures are significant as household consumption, measured by the data, is the largest expenditure across the UK economy.

The dip in June buying was attributed to election uncertainty, poor weather, and low footfall. It was less steep than first thought, however, as the 0.9% contraction was revised up from 1.2%.

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The latest ONS release caps off a week of announcements which illustrated an economy with lower inflation and more growth than the last two years, while wages grow faster than the overall pace of price rises.

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