British shops enjoyed their biggest rise in June sales in six years. Fashion sales increased 1.4 per cent, while home ware sales were up 0.5 per cent. It is possible the rise in sales was helped by warm weather and weak numbers in the same month last year.

Retailers will take heart from consumers’ willingness to spend, but there is evidence shoppers are delving into their savings, which is clearly not a sustainable position.

Britain’s economy has slowed as the rise in inflation since last year’s Brexit vote and modest pay growth have hurt consumer spending. There has been a sharp drop in consumer confidence.

A large number of UK brands are now upping their game and taking steps to improve customer experience by providing effective returns messages.

Returns have long been perceived as a headache for brands rather than an opportunity to really impress their customers, build trust and loyalty, and subsequently encourage repeat purchases and growth overseas.

For successful e-commerce brands it’s all about enhancing the customer experience and if they aren’t happy with large aspects of the buying process, including returns, customers are ripe for the picking from the many competitors in the market.

Some Bank of England officials believe the consumer slowdown will be offset by higher exports and investment.