{"blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Currys PLC (LSE:CURY), Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO) and Kingfisher PLC (LSE:KGF) were among the retailers tipped to benefit from signs that UK consumer spending strengthened in June, while Primark owner Associated British Foods PLC (LSE:ABF) could be one of the main loser as shoppers increasingly bought online."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Analysts at Citi said industry data from the British Retail Consortium and Barclaycard pointed to a sequential improvement in retail sales, driven by stronger demand for non-food products."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The BRC reported total sales growth of 1.9% in June, while two-year comparisons suggested momentum improved from May. Non-food sales strengthened, while online sales accounted for the highest proportion of retail spending so far this year."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Barclaycard's spending data, which covers the period to 19 June and therefore excludes the late-month heatwave, also pointed to improving demand for DIY and electrical goods, marking the first growth in those categories since May 2025."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Citi said the trends were positive for retailers with significant exposure to electronics and general merchandise, naming Currys, Tesco, Kingfisher, J Sainsbury PLC (LSE:SBRY), B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) and Wickes Group PLC (LSE:WIX) among the potential beneficiaries. It also favoured Next PLC (LSE:NXT) because of its strong online business."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The US bank said the data was less encouraging for retailers with limited online operations, highlighting ABF's Primark chain and B&M."}},{"type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Citi also noted the BRC's reiterated warning that rising operating costs were \"squeezing retailers' ability to invest, create jobs and keep prices down\", despite the improvement in sales."}}]}

James Cropper jumps after refinancing to improve liquidity and extend maturities