Covering the 4 weeks 5 October – 1 November 2025
- Total sales in Scotland increased by 1.9% compared with
October 2024, when they had decreased by 0.7%. This was above the
3-month average increase of 1.4% and above the 12-month average
increase of 0.7%. Adjusted for inflation, there was a
year-on-year increase of 1.0%.
- Total Food sales in Scotland increased by 2.7% compared with
October 2024, when they had decreased by 1.2%. This was above the
3-month average increase of 1.1% and above the 12-month average
increase of 0.3%.
- Total Non-Food sales in Scotland increased by 1.3% compared
with October 2024, when they had decreased by 0.3%. This was
below the 3-month average increase of 1.7% and above the 12-month
average increase of 1.0%.
- Adjusted for the effect of online sales, Non-Food sales in
Scotland increased by 1.2% compared with October 2024, when they
had decreased by 0.1%. This was below the 3-month average
increase of 2.1% and below the 12-month average increase of 1.5%.
David Lonsdale, Director, Scottish Retail Consortium,
said:
“October saw a modest but welcome further improvement in Scottish
retail sales which edged up for a fourth consecutive month. This
was the best monthly performance since April and an encouraging
start to the golden quarter of trading, albeit to an extent was
driven by shop price inflation rather than increased sales
volumes.
“Homeware and furniture fared well as did food and
festive-related purchases of decorations and items such as
wrapping paper. However, clothing retailers reported challenges
selling winter clothing due to the variable weather and Halloween
related purchases were so-so. Sales of electrical goods
underwhelmed, perhaps reflecting consumers holding back in
anticipation of Black Friday discounting.
“With Christmas just around the corner we ought to be seeing a
more confident mood amongst Scotland's retailers. However, twin
threats are to the fore. Firstly, consumer confidence remains
shaky and won't be helped by mooted increases in personal
taxation which would lessen the amount people have available to
spend in shops. The second threat is the risk of inaction on
business rates. Wales and England are cutting business rates for
shops permanently from April but there is an absence of any plan
here in Scotland. Without a rates reduction for all retailers
here in Scotland there could well be direct consequences for
commercial investment and the state of our high streets, as
destinations elsewhere in GB become considerably more attractive
and cost-effective locations to invest in.”
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure,
KPMG, said:
“With Black Friday sales already getting underway and Christmas
displays also now up in many stores, Scotland's retailers are
aiming to increase the sales growth seen in recent months.
Our own research indicates that the majority of shoppers are
considering purchases over the Black Friday period, and that AI
will play a growing role in how consumers search for and find
promotional offers or gifts. This tech evolution presents
both challenges and benefits to retailers trying to capture these
tech savvy shoppers.”
MONTHLY RETAIL SALES YEAR-ON-YEAR PERCENTAGE GROWTH
RANKING BY CATEGORY
MONTHLY RETAIL SALES YEAR-ON-YEAR PERCENTAGE GROWTH BY
CATEGORY
NON-FOOD MONTHLY RETAIL SALES YEAR-ON-YEAR PERCENTAGE
GROWTH, INCLUDING EFFECT OF ONLINE SALES
