High street sales fell again last month as shoppers were distracted by the Golden Jubilee and the World Cup.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales volumes fell 0.7 per cent, sharper than economists' expectations and the weakest figure for more than two years.
The month-on-month slide follows a 0.5 per cent fall in May.
It was the first time sales have fallen in two consecutive months since September/October 1998.
The ONS said anecdotal evidence indicated the jubilee bank holiday had a downward effect on sales, particularly for small retailers.
There was also evidence from some retailers the World Cup had an effect, with sales falling on key match days.
During the month, food stores had a 0.3 per cent decline in sales, while non-food shops were down one per cent. Clothes and shoe shops were the exception, rising two per cent during the month.
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