The data was almost in line with market expectations of 7.6% and was bolstered by the FIFA World Cup tournament as well as June holiday spending.
Statistics SA said that in June 2010 the highest annual real growth rate was recorded for retailers in household furniture, appliances and equipment (17.7%), followed by retailers in textiles, clothing, footwear and leather goods (13.1%) and retailers in pharmaceutical and medical goods, cosmetics and toiletries (7.9%).
However, once the World Cup hype had dissipated, spending would normalise, Standard Bank economists said.
"Therefore, a slippage in retail spending towards the back end of the year is plausible, given debt overhangs and stringent financial conditions."