UK retail sales grew at their slowest rate for more than four years in May as rising inflation following the Brexit vote dragged on spending.
Sales volumes increased 0.9% last month compared to the same period in 2016, the slowest annual growth rate since April 2013.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), non-food stores suffered most with a 1.2% fall.
Grocery stores remained in growth, but the 0.1% climb marked their slowest upturn in sales volumes since July 2013.
On a month-on-month basis, the quantity of goods purchased across the sector slipped 1.2%, following a strong April.
Sales values grew at the faster rate of 4.1% last month, compared to May 2016, driven by inflation.
Average store prices, excluding fuel, ballooned 2.8% year-on-year.
The ONS said that the rise in the rate of inflation was the steepest it had recorded since March 2012.
Average weekly sales hit £7.9bn during the month.
ONS senior statistician Ole Black said: “We have not seen lower growth in the year since April 2013. Increased retail prices across all sectors seem to be a significant factor in slowing growth.”
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