Scottish retailers experienced a welcome boost in December 2024, with total sales increasing by 0.8% compared to the same month in 2023.

This growth, described as “solid” by industry experts, came as a relief after a challenging year for the sector.

The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) KPMG Scottish retail sales monitor revealed that when adjusted for inflation, there was a year-on-year increase of 1.8%. This performance marked the best monthly result of an otherwise flat golden trading quarter and tepid 2024.

David Lonsdale, Director of the SRC, commented on the figures:

“Overall, the value of Scottish retail sales rose by 1.8% in real terms during December. Food sales were flat, reflecting consumers cutting back a little alongside significant price competition between grocers competing for festive purchases.”

Despite the positive December figures, the overall picture for 2024 remained challenging. Lonsdale noted: “Sales in the crucial final golden trading quarter were identical to last year. That is indicative of a tough combination of household discretionary spending being limited, and much of what there is being spent on experiences rather than products”