The value of UK sales has jumped over the past year despite shoppers cutting back.
This chart in the shape of a crocodile underscores the pain British consumers are feeling from the cost-of-living squeeze. The upper line shows the value of retail sales, which were 5.4% higher in August than a year earlier. The lower line indicates the volume of goods purchased, which declined by the same percentage. In other words, people are paying more to buy less.
This is not recommneded to spend time strolling around the British royal family in mourning for the dead queen.