SRC-KPMG SCOTTISH RETAIL SALES MONITOR
– JULY 2025
Covering the four weeks 06 July - 02 August
2025
- Total sales in Scotland increased by 0.1% compared with July
2024, when they had decreased by 0.9%. This was above the 3-month
average decrease of 0.1% and below the 12-month average increase
of 0.2%. Adjusted for inflation, there was a year-on-year
decrease of 0.5%.
- Total Food sales in Scotland decreased by 1.4% compared with
July 2024, when they had decreased by 0.3%. This was above the
3-month average decrease of 1.5% and below the 12-month average
decrease of 0.2%.
- Scottish Sales increased by 1.3% on a like-for-like basis
compared with July 2024, when they had decreased by 0.5%. This
was above the 3-month average increase of 0.8% and above the
12-month average increase of 0.8%.
- Total Non-Food sales in Scotland increased by 1.4% compared
with July 2024, when they had decreased by 1.5%. This was above
the 3-month average increase of 1% and above the 12-month average
increase of 0.5%.
- Adjusted for the effect of online sales, Non-Food sales in
Scotland increased by 1.6% compared with July 2024, when they had
decreased by 1.5%. This was above the 3-month average increase of
1.3% and above the 12-month average increase of 1.1%.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head of the Scottish
Retail Consortium, said:
"July was a lacklustre month for Scottish retailers as sales
again disappointed. When adjusted for inflation retail sales in
Scotland fell by 0.5 percent. That's a slight improvement on
June's figures, but demonstrates shoppers continue to cut back on
shopping as economic uncertainty continues to rise.
"Within the general disappointment there were some bright spots.
Food sales shone in the opening half of the month as Scots took
advantage of the warm weather to cook barbeque and summer meals.
Phone sales did well, as did some toys and furniture ranges.
Against that televisions continue to disappoint, with few
households investing in high-end entertainment despite the summer
plethora of sporting events. Fashion ranges performed poorly,
albeit the likelihood is shoppers did their summer wardrobe
shopping earlier in the year when the sunshine emerged.
"The harsh truth is Scots are holding back spending as worries
about the economy grow. That is leaving shops in the lurch -
facing higher costs as a consequence of last year's UK Government
Budget without the growth needed to pay those bills. With little
sight the economic weather will brighten many retailers,
especially those on the high street, face increasingly
unpalatable choices in the coming months."
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure,
KPMG, said:
“The UK's fifth warmest July on Met Office record brought a boost
to home appliance and food and drink sales. But rising inflation
was also a driver of the latter and monthly non-food sales are
only growing at around 1% on average at present. With employment
costs having risen and inflation both a business and consumer
side pressure, it remains a challenging trading environment for
many retailers.
“While the majority of consumers that KPMG surveys are confident
in their ability to balance their monthly household budgets, big
ticket purchases are more considered in the context of rising
essential costs and ongoing caution about the economy and labour
market. Holidays are the priority for many this summer but those
heading away have had to account for a higher cost of travel.
Consequently, spending in some areas of the retail sector remains
subdued and competition for consumer spend will remain fierce.”
