Retail sales slipped in July as a steep decline in clothing sales failed to offset higher spending on drinks during the World Cup.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales volumes fell by 0.5 per cent in July, compared with the previous month.
It follows a rise of 0.7 per cent in June, which had been revised down from a previous estimate of 1 per cent.
It marks the first time in three months that retailers have seen a fall in sales, with July's decline higher than the 0.4 per cent fall expected by economists.
The ONS said non-food sales weakened after retailers brought forward summer promotions to June to take advantage of the hot weather, leaving fewer discounts available in July.
