Scottish retail sales rose by 4.5% in April compared with the same month last year, according to figures from the Scottish Retail Consortium and KPMG.

This marks a significant improvement from a 4% decline in April 2024. When adjusted for inflation, total sales were up by 4.6%.

Food sales increased by 2.2%, reversing a 3% drop in April 2024, while non-food sales rose by 6.3%, compared to a 4.9% decline last year. When adjusted for online sales, non-food sales grew by 8.7% year-on-year.

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, attributed the increase in sales to sunnier weather and Easter falling later than usual.

He said: “Driven largely by non-food sales it was the best monthly performance for almost two years. Garden furniture and outdoor toys and games shone as shoppers made the most of the sunnier conditions, as did DIY and computing related purchases.

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“Grocery sales performed well as households and families entertained over the Easter holidays.”

However, Lonsdale cautioned that it remained to be seen whether the increase in sales could be sustained.

He added: “The prospect of a possible détente in the global trade and tariffs dispute offers some grounds for optimism, albeit retailers and their customers both remain challenged by the relentless increases in statutory outgoings.

“This requires policy makers to keep a tighter lid on the tax and regulatory costs under their control.”

Linda Ellett, head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG added: “Over the last three months, Scottish retail sales have grown by only around 2% on non-food items on average, compared to the year previous.  

“Consumers tell us they are still taking steps to manage their household budgets, so retailers will need to focus on how they can continue to unlock spending over the coming months to keep the growth going – including capitalising on purchases related to strong summer holiday demand.”

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