Scottish retail sales enjoy sun-driven boost for fashion in May

The 30 April-27 May period enjoyed a May bank holiday bonanza as the extra holidays, including the coronation, were helped by improving weather conditions.

So total sales in Scotland increased 10.9% compared to May 2022, when they had grown a modest 1.6%. This was above the three-month average increase of 9.5% and the 12-month average growth of 7.8%. That said, when adjusted for inflation, the year-on-year growth was a more modest 2%, although it was still growth.

On a like-for-like basis, Scottish sales increased 7.7% compared to a year ago when they had increased by just  0.3%. This is also above the three-month average increase of 6.6% and the 12-month average growth of 5.5%.

Total Non-Food sales rose 6.5% in May compared with May 2022, when they rose 1.5%. Adjusted for the estimated effect of online sales, total Non-Food sales increased 5.1% in May versus 12 months ago, when they fell 2.6%. 

Ewan MacDonald Russell, Head of Policy & External Affairs at the Scottish Retail Consortium noted that most of the growth came from clothing and footwear as consumers freshened up their wardrobes.

But he added: “Notwithstanding this stronger performance, the overarching issue remains stubbornly high inflation. It’s clear consumers are waiting until items are essential before making purchases, and that there is very little discretionary spending available. Whilst there is some hope inflation may start to subside, one slightly better month doesn’t mean the storm clouds over the economy are likely to dissipate any time soon.”