BIRMINGHAM stores hoping for a boost in sales on the back of the Olympics were left disappointed after the sporting jamboree failed to set tills ringing.
Economists predicted retailers would benefit from a boost in trade with the country gripped by Olympic favour.
But retail sales were down 0.4 per cent in August against the same month last year.
Jonathan Cheetham, chairman of Retail Birmingham which represents more than 1,000 city shops, said: "Whilst many of the larger retailers and centres took advantage of the relaxation on extending Sunday opening hours granted during the Olympics, most did not see a marked increase in profit, but instead a strain on resources and staffing.
(Sept 20, 2012)