Shops in Scotland enjoyed their highest sales for three years last month as last minute holiday shopping boosted store takings.
Sales leapt by 8% in July compared with July 2025 when they rose by just 1.8% when there was also sunny weather, and were 7.1% higher when adjusted for inflation.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “It was hard pressed high street lines which saw the best performance, with non-food sales up by over 12%.
“Women’s clothing and footwear did well with summer lines selling well in response to the warm weather and last minute holiday shopping. Health and beauty products such as sunscreen similarly performed well, as did jewellery and watches.”
However, the SRC noted that categories for larger items such as furniture had underperformed last month, while computing and technology sales were weaker than earlier in the year.
Despite the encouraging data, Mr MacDonald-Russell expressed concern over inflation and comparisons with “a pretty weak summer last year”
He said: “Whilst retailers can enjoy the heady rush of shoppers, they are all too aware that rougher waters may lie ahead.”
Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG, which helps compile the monthly sales monitor, added: “The start of the holiday season delivered strong retail sales for Scotland in July.
“Across the UK, the summer season got started as early as May, which has seen an upturn for clothes, shoes and accessories right through to August.
“Warmer weather has aided home entertaining and garden related purchases, and Scotland’s retailers will be looking to continue the strong summer performance during August.”
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