Covering the 5 weeks from 31 May 4 July 2026
- Total sales in Scotland increased by 7.5% compared with June
2025, when they had decreased by 0.4%. This was above the 3-month
average increase of 3.5% and above the 12-month average increase
of 1.4%. Adjusted for inflation, there was a year-on-year
increase of 6.3%.
- Total Food sales in Scotland increased by 1.8% compared with
June 2025, when they had decreased by 2.3%. This was above the
3-month average decrease of 1.9% and above the 12-month average
increase of 0.2%.
- Total Non-Food sales in Scotland increased by 12.3% compared
with June 2025, when they had increased by 1.1%. This was above
the 3-month average increase of 8.0% and above the 12-month
average increase of 2.5%.
- Adjusted for the effect of online sales, Non-Food sales in
Scotland increased by 14.0% compared with June 2025, when they
had increased by 2.1%. This was above the 3-month average
increase of 9.5% and above the 12-month average increase of 2.9%.
David Lonsdale, Director, Scottish Retail Consortium,
said:
Scottish retail sales sparkled in June bolstered by the arrival
of the better weather, the World Cup, and Scots readying
themselves for the summer holidays. It was the best monthly
performance in three years, positive news after a lengthy period
of decidedly tepid sales growth. The pick-up was broadly based
yet non-food sales in particular shone.
Grocery sales returned to growth as food inflation eased and with
increased spending notable in the lead up to Scotland's first and
second men's World Cup matches. Associated merchandise and
clothing also performed well, as did TV sales. As Scots made the
most of the sunnier conditions outdoor toys and paddling pools
fared well, as did electric fans as people looked to cool off.
The impending holiday season lifted purchases of suntan lotion,
swimming costumes, and towels.
These are unalloyed positive results and provided a final
flourish to the first half of the year. Whether the good news can
be sustained however remains unclear given continuing pressures
on household finances. With a new Prime Minister about to take
office retailers will be hoping he can make good on his pledges
on living standards and of a high street renaissance, whilst
showing sufficient dexterity towards keeping a tight lid on the
tax and regulatory costs under his control.
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure,
KPMG, said:
Retail sales rose in Scotland during June, with the men's
football World Cup bringing a boost for home electrical sales and
food and drink. The warmer weather benefitted clothing sales
which retailers will be looking to build on as summer holiday
season gets set to fully begin.
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
