Scottish retail sales jumped 4% in July, its best performance since April 2011, as Andy Murray’s Wimbledon success created a feel-good factor.
Year-on-year sales growth also outpaced the UK for the first time since March 2011. Like-for-likes increased 1.4% on last July, when they decreased 2.2%.
Taking account of shop price deflation, which is at almost 0.5%, July total sales were up 4.4% in real terms.
KPMG head of retail David McCorquodale said: “Scottish retailers served up an ace in July with growth in sales outpacing the rest of the UK for the first time in more than two years. Andy Murray’s Wimbledon victory undoubtedly started the rally with celebration parties driving food and drink sales early in the month. A prolonged spell of summer weather then boosted sales of barbecues, burgers and beer.”
Scottish Retail Consortium director Fiona Moriarty added: “Sunshine and sporting successes boosted the public mood and willingness to spend further after a promising pick-up in June. This helped to deliver an excellent showing which tops the UK total for the first time since March 2011.”
Total food sales rose 5.6% while non-food sales increased 2.6%.
Summer food, seasonal fashions and outdoor living products were standout performers in the month.
However, it was a “disappointing month” for furniture and other homewares, according to Moriarty, as the appetite for ‘indoor living’ was diminished as people enjoyed the sunshine.
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