Covering the four weeks 2 February – 1 March
2025
- Total sales in Scotland decreased by 0.4% compared with
February 2024, when they had increased by 1.4%. This was below
the 3-month average increase of 0.7% and above the 12-month
average decrease of 0.6%. Adjusted for inflation, there was a
year-on-year increase of 0.3%.
- Scottish Sales were flat on a like-for-like basis compared
with February 2024, when they had increased by 0.7%. This was
below the 3-month average increase of 1.1% and above the 12-month
average decrease of 0.3%.
- Total Food sales in Scotland increased by 0.7% compared with
February 2024, when they had increased by 3.0%. This was below
the 3-month average increase of 1.1% and above the 12-month
average increase of 0.3%.
- Total Non-Food sales in Scotland decreased by 1.3% compared
with February 2024, when they had increased by 0.1%. This was
below the 3-month average increase of 0.4% and above the 12-month
average decrease of 1.3%.
- Adjusted for the effect of online sales, Non-Food sales in
Scotland decreased by 0.6% compared with February 2024, when they
had decreased by 1.8%. This was below the 3-month average
increase of 2.6% and above the 12-month average decrease of 1.2%.
David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail
Consortium:
“The total value of Scottish retail sales nudged down in February
compared to the year before, albeit in real-terms - once adjusted
for falling shop prices - they recorded a third successive month
of growth. This was a more muted set of results and reflected the
fall in shopper footfall which faded during February.
“Computing and furniture did well and grocery continued to grow.
Valentine's Day gave a lift to sales of jewellery, fragrances and
chocolates. Purchases of toys and baby equipment however fell
back, as did clothing and footwear, as the cold weather
deterred shoppers from buying new Spring and Summer ranges.
“With soaring council tax and water bills just around the corner,
and more than enough geo-political uncertainty abound, it remains
to be seen how all of this impacts shoppers' propensity to spend.
What isn't in doubt is the imposition of government-mandated tax
rises from next month, from UK, Scottish, and local
administrations, will shackle customers and retailers with
substantial extra costs. That will serve to make trading even
tougher for Scotland's retailers.”
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail and
Leisure | KPMG
“Scottish retail sales fell slightly in February, as consumers
remained cautious with their spending. Many are continuing
to prioritise saving, travel and experiences, with nervousness
about the economy deferring other big ticket
purchasing.
“As we have seen already this year, retailers are increasingly
reflecting upon online and in-store sales data, considering the
implications of the recently announced employment cost rises and
business rates pressure, and scrutinising where best to be
located. Online shopping and the growth of social commerce has
contributed to a lowering of demand for some physical retail
stores and boardrooms will continue to keep a close eye on
monthly footfall and sales data as 2025 progresses.”
