Scottish retailers last month saw the strongest growth in sales for more than two years, according to new figures.
Information released by the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) stated that in June 2013, total sales increased by 2.8 per cent compared with last years sales when they had increased by 1.2 per cent.
Food was the stand out performer and was up 4 per cent on June last year.
Fiona Moriarty, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, suggested that the sunshine and ‘cautious optimism about the economy‘ put many in the mood to stock up on seasonal, barbeque and celebratory food. She added: “Retailers‘ spirits will be buoyed by this strong showing which is well above the annual and six-month averages.”
Total non-food sales were driven by Clothing and footwear and also rose 1.8 per cent on last year when they had decreased by 0.5 per cent.
David McCorquodale, Head of Retail, KPMG, commented: “The warm glow of summer is finally being felt on the Scottish high streets. Both food and non-food sales combined to give the strongest growth in total sales in Scotland since April 2011 – and a very welcome cheer for our retailers.”
Earlier this week, the SRC reported that total retail footfall was 1.7 per cent up in Scotland but Northern Ireland experienced a 5.9 per cent drop. Every other region in the UK, except for a 3 per cent rise in London, saw decreases over the three-month period.
