Period covered: September 19Published: October 16, 2019Read time: 1min

Scottish Retail Sales Monitor

Sep 19: Scottish Retail Sales Monitor

Scottish Non-Essentials Suffer in September

Ewan MacDonald-Russel, Head of Policy and External Affairs, Scottish Retail Consortium:

"September proved little relief for retailers as shoppers shunned high streets to focus on necessities. Overall retail sales fell by 1.9 per cent on a total basis, the fifth successive month of shrinking sales.

“Food sales remained solid with retailers noting summer favourites such as strawberries continued to be enjoyed. However, the real concern comes in non-food with a 5.4 per cent fall. Electronics, homeware, and beauty products all suffered from disinterested shoppers, whilst clothing sales were hampered by shoppers choosing summer discounts over autumnal ranges due to the warm weather.

“It’s undisputable consumers are holding back from serious spending commitments and it’s difficult not to conclude the impasse over the UK’s exit from the EU is a reason nervous shoppers are keeping their wallets and purses firmly closed. To prevent life on the high street becoming even harder an urgent Brexit resolution is needed ahead of the vital Christmas trading period.”

Paul Martin, UK Head of Retail, KPMG:

“With like-for-like sales declining by 2.3 per cent compared to last year, September’s results reflected the overwhelmingly challenging conditions facing Scotland’s high streets. Once again, food sales have helped to slow the rate of decline, with 2.3 per cent total growth, but the trend in non-food categories is one of long-term decline.

“There’s clear evidence that uncertainty – both politically and economically – is impacting consumer confidence with shoppers choosing to slim down unnecessary purchases and focus on the essentials. The next few months could be make-or-break for many of Scotland’s most high-profile brands. A clear strategy will be essential, focusing on cost reduction, sales maximisation and supply chain efficiencies.”