Covering the 4 weeks of 3 - 30 May 2026
- Total sales in Scotland increased by 3.2% compared with May
2025, when they had increased by 0.1%. This was above the 3-month
average increase of 0.1% and above the 12-month average increase
of 0.7%. Adjusted for inflation, there was a year-on-year
increase of 2.0%.
- Total Food sales in Scotland decreased by 4.4% compared with
May 2025, when they had decreased by 0.5%. This was below the
3-month average decrease of 2.4% and below the 12-month average
decrease of 0.2%.
- Total Non-Food sales in Scotland increased by 9.6% compared
with May 2025, when they had increased by 0.5%. This was above
the 3-month average increase of 2.2% and above the 12-month
average increase of 1.4%.
- Adjusted for the effect of online sales, Non-Food sales in
Scotland increased by 13.3% compared with May 2025, when they had
decreased by 0.2%. This was above the 3-month average increase of
2.9% and above the 12-month average increase of 1.8%.
Ewan Macdonald-Russell , Deputy Head of the Scottish
Retail Consortium, said:
"Scottish retailers basked in the best sales figures since
January as the long winter finally came to an end. Overall sales
rose by two per cent in real terms, driven by shoppers finally
refreshing their wardrobes with the arrival of warmer weather.
Grocery sales fell back this month, at least in part due to
strong price competition between retailers.
"Clothing and footwear had their strongest performance this year
as shoppers put away the boots and jumpers for light tops and
sandals. Home textiles did well as households refreshed their
furnishings, and toys and games continue to perform strongly with
both children and those who remain young at heart.
"Whilst the warm weather brought a little relief for retailers
the future remains uncertain. Consumer confidence remains deeply
depressed against the backdrop of international instability and
rising energy bills. Retailers will hope a summer of major
sporting events will lift Scots hearts a little and encourage
them to support the high street as well as their heroes.
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure,
KPMG, said:
The late Spring heatwave warmed up retail sales growth in
Scotland in May.
Clothing and footwear sales grew - some for the first time since
the January sales. Fans and garden related purchases were
also among items that sold well.
As we move into summer season, retailers and hospitality
businesses will be hoping the good weather continues and that the
World Cup boosts related spending. Getting new items into
the suitcases of holidaymakers is also now key to the summer
performance of many retailers.
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
