Scottish retail sales record best growth in two years in June
Scottish retail sales increased by 2.8% in June compared to the same month last year as the warmer weather encouraged shoppers to splash out on barbecue food and summer clothing. This was the the strongest growth in total sales since April 2011.
Figures released by the Scottish Retail Consortium and KPMG show that the total sales growth almost matched the 2.9% rise for the UK as a whole, making it the best comparison since March 2011. On a like-for-like basis, sales increased by 0.3%.
Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “It’s really positive to see that the tentative boost in May gathered strong momentum in June, propelling Scottish sales growth to a level almost in line with the rest of the UK and its highest since April 2011. Warmer weather and a steady rise in consumer confidence are key factors behind this encouraging improvement.”
The SRC found that food was the stand-out performer in the month, rising by 4% on a total basis as sunshine and cautious optimism about the economy encouraged shoppers to stock up on seasonal, barbeque and celebratory food. Total non-food sales increased by 1.8% driven by clothing and footwear sales.
Moriarty added: “Retailers’ spirits will be buoyed by this strong showing which is well above the annual and six-month averages and chimes with the decent footfall growth we saw earlier this week. Hopefully the good weather and improving economic outlook will deliver more of the same in July.”
