In June average like for like footfall improved slightly (+0.2%) over the previous month but sales were -0.5% down due to lower basket spend. Bill Payment and Tobacco, that together account for over 40% of turnover in some independent c-stores, reduced turnover as sales of both declined in June vs May 2019 (-4.3% and -1.8% respectively). Ice cream (+13.2%), cider (+2.2%) and beer (+0.3%) sales improved as the summer and BBQ season progresses but remain well below the levels seen same time last year (-32.6%, -11.5% and -5.8%) – although we do need to remember that last June was exceptionally high, with England still in the World Cup combined with wonderful summer weather.