Covering the four weeks 28 April – 25 May
2024
- Total sales in Scotland increased by 0.1% compared with May
2023, when they had grown 10.9%. This was above the 3-month
average decrease of 0.1% and below the 12-month average growth of
3.3%. Adjusted for inflation, Total sales declined 0.5%
year-on-year.
- Scottish sales increased by 0.3% on a Like-for-like basis
compared with May 2023, when they had increased by 7.7%. This is
above the 3-month average decrease of 0.2% and below the 12-month
average growth of 2.7%.
- Total Food sales increased by 1.1% versus May 2023, when they
had increased by 16.2%. May was below the 3-month average growth
of 1.4% and the 12-month average growth of 6.3%. The 3-month
average was below the UK level of 3.6%.
- Total Non-Food sales decreased by 0.8% in May compared with
May 2023, when they had increased by 6.5%. This was above the
3-month average decrease of 1.4% and below the 12-month average
growth of 0.8%.
- Adjusted for the estimated effect of Online sales, Total
Non-Food sales decreased by 0.2% in May versus May 2023, when
they had increased by 5.1%. This was above the 3-month average
decline of 2.2% and the 12-month average decline of 0.4%.
Ewan MacDonald Russell, Deputy Head | Scottish Retail Consortium
"May turned into a mediocre month for Scottish retail sales,
which fell by 0.5 per cent in real terms compared to the previous
year. The slight fall is likely a consequence of comparison with
a strong 2023 performance, where the King's Coronation and two
Bank Holidays encouraged shoppers to splash out, compared to this
year where the splashing was more to do with the miserable
weather.
"Food and drink sales continue to grow, albeit in a more modest
manner now food price inflation has stabilised. Technology
sales did well, boosted by a combination of new products
alongside many early pandemic purchases now requiring
replacement. Beauty and casual clothing ranges performed
reasonably, albeit with little sign shoppers were buying more
formalwear.
“Looking ahead retailers will hope the upcoming run of major
events, including the Olympics, European Men's Football
Championships, and a series of high profile concerts, will kick
off a brighter period of trading. Retailers know all too
well how cruel summer can be so will hope they
can shake it off and be ready for it to be a potential
gold rush to get out of the woods in the coming months."
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail and
Leisure | KPMG
“Whilst May's figures show barely positive increases in retail
sales, with less than one percent growth year-on-year, the impact
of falling CPI - which means volumes are not declining as
quickly, may help to soften the blow for hard-working retailers.
“With the early bank holiday and some better weather, there was a
big step up in the number of categories that saw positive high
street sales growth which was close to 3-in-4. Health,
personal care, beauty and computing continued to sell well,
whilst women's and children's clothing also saw small increases
in sales. After nearly three years, things may have turned
a corner for online retailers, with year-on-year sales growth
across most categories, including toys and baby equipment and
house textiles.
“Whilst sales growth was minimal, it could point to some signs of
recovery for the sector, and retailers will be eager for that
trend to continue as they carefully maintain their pricing, stock
and cost base. Over the coming weeks retailers will be hoping
that warmer weather, purchases related to summer holiday demand
and Euro 2024 provide a stimulus to get consumers buying
again. The economy may be improving, but the health of the
sector remains fragile, with major investment held back by many
until there are clear signs that consumer confidence has turned
into spending.
“With the General Election date fixed, retailers will be keen to
hear positive measures to help boost the economy and, in
particular, signs that long awaited changes to the business rates
regime are finally on their way.”
