Proactive Investors - Retail sales volumes fell faster than expected in the year to June and are expected to tumble further next month - albeit at a slower pace, industry data revealed.
Sales volumes dropped by 24% this month, compared to May's growth of 8%, CBI distributive trades survey showed.
The survey highlighted that sales volumes were well below average for the time of year, while orders placed with suppliers have fallen by 14%, a similar pace to the previous month.
Online sales decline heavily during the month, faster than initially expected, and are expected to edge down further in July.
Stock positions were reported as "adequate".
"Last month’s nascent recovery in sales proved to be short-lived, with retailers reporting a faster-than-anticipated decline this month," said Alpesh Paleja, CBI's interim deputy chief economist.
"Unseasonably cold weather in June may have played a role, but it’s notable that internet retail sales fell sharply in our survey, too.
"With consumer demand still on shaky ground, an incoming government can help business by ensuring that the UK is the most attractive place to start, grow and run a business.
"This will require bold action such as delivering a holistic cross-economy solution to the UK’s overly complex business rates system, which is a particular burden for retailers."