Britain's high streets enjoyed a boost in sales last month as consumers headed to sports retailers on the back of the Olympics and Euros football tournament.
Retail sales volumes climbed as expected by 0.5% in July, following a 0.9% drop a month earlier, the Office for National Statistics reported on Friday.
This was fuelled by a rise in shopping at department stores and on sports equipment due to the recent sports events.
Over the year to July, volumes were up by 1.4%, with the increase at department and sports stores offsetting declines in motor fuel sales, household and textile goods.
According to Shopify, sales of archery products jumped on the back of the games in Paris, while squash racquets also sold well.
“This may be part of a broader need to entertain children from parents, with Shopify also seeing increases in stencils & die cuts, drawing & painting kits and art & craft kits," director Deann Evans commented.
She added warmer weather likely helped too, after rainy conditions drove muted sales in June, noting “retailers should be confident of a strong end to summer trading”.