Amazon has confirmed plans for a new distribution centre in Tilbury, south east England, as UK retail figures for July show strong signs of growth.
The pound leapt to $1.31 against the US dollar for the first time since the referendum as results revealed today that UK retail sector enjoyed growth across the board last month, particularly in non-food.
Andy Scott, economist at HiFX, said that British consumers appear to be 'unfazed' by the Brexit vote, although the figures were also boosted by tourism.
The Office for National Statistics said: 'Compared with June 2016, the quantity bought increased by 1.4%; all sectors showed growth with the main contribution again coming from non-food stores. Average stores prices (including petrol stations) fell by 2.0% in July 2016 compared with July 2015. Compared with June 2016, there was a fall of 0.8%.'
It added: 'There is anecdotal evidence from respondents suggesting the weaker pound has encouraged overseas visitors to spend'.
Amazon's Tilbury distribution centre will be the firm's 13th in Britain and is set to create 1,500 jobs when it opens in 2017, according to the new announcement. The news follows confirmation last Friday of Amazon's plans for a fulfilment centre in Doncaster, northern England, also set to open next year.
Amazon's new UK manager Doug Gurr said in July that Brexit had not affected its investment plans for the country.
