Drop In Scottish Sales
Consumer spending in Scotland fell slightly in May 2014 as total sales figures dropped 0.2% compared to April 2014, according to the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC).
The latest figures reveal a 1.6% fall in total sales in May 2014 compared to last May. Sales dropped 2.7% on May 2013 on a like-for-like basis.
Key findings:
- total food sales were down 2% on May 2013
- total food sales fell 1.6% over the last 3months
- total non-food sales dropped 1.4% on last May
- total non-food sales increased 1.1% over the last 3 months
- total non-food sales rose 2.8% over the last 12 months.
David Lonsdale, director of the SRC, said:
“Despite the return of shoppers to Scotland’s high streets last month, the growth in footfall simply didn’t filter through into an increase in the overall value of retail sales. Scottish consumers clearly remain cautious.
“Retailers will of course work hard to ensure this slowdown is only temporary. Government at every level can assist by pursuing policies which put money into people’s pockets, keep down the cost of doing business, and help retailers expand and create jobs.”