Scottish retail sales grow by 0.4 per cent in Q3

Over the year since 2017 Quarter 3, the quantity of retail sales has increased by 1.3 per cent.

Over the same period, the value of retail sales (not adjusted for inflation) increased by 2.7 per cent, and average store prices measured by the retail sales implied deflator have increased by 1.4 per cent.

The equivalent figures for retail sales quantities in Great Britain as a whole, produced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), are an increase of 1.2 per cent in the latest quarter, and an increase of 3.4 per cent over the year since 2017 Quarter 3.

The Retail Sales Index for Scotland is a measure of the sales by retailers in Scotland. Results are given for sales quantities (or volumes) which have been adjusted for inflation, and sales values which are not adjusted for inflation.

The figures published today include the period from July to September 2018.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “The further increase in the value of retail sales over the past quarter is heartening and mirrors the findings of our own Scottish monthly survey, which showed figures buoyed by food and grocery purchases in particular.

“The prospects for retailers are ultimately determined by the state of the economy and their own ability to adapt and seize on the opportunities that arise. A crucial factor is whether household finances continue to improve and translate into higher levels of confidence and more transactions. This brings into sharp focus big upcoming decisions which could affect disposable incomes and take home pay, notably the Scottish Budget and the setting of income tax, as well as subsequent decisions over council tax levels. These decisions must support consumer spending and economic growth.”