Retail sales were up almost 10% in June when compared with June 2019, marking the biggest growth since 2005, national statistics agency CBS said on Friday.

Stores selling furniture, electronic goods and DIY stores had particularly strong sales. By contrast, clothes and shoe shops continued to see declining sales, although the drop was not as great as in March, April and May, at the height of the coronavirus crisis. Supermarkets have also benefited, with sales up 6.5%, the CBS said.

The biggest growth was booked by online retailers, with sales up 45% in June, compared with the year-earlier period.