RETAIL sales in Scotland have fallen, with inflation and wider economic pressures cited as reasons for consumer caution.
Scottish sales decreased by 0.2% last month on a like-for-like basis compared to September 2017, when they were up 1%.
Stores were unable to capitalise on a number of clearance sales and back-to-school promotions, although there was relief for electronics retailers after a number of highly anticipated game releases in September.
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In contrast, total food sales in September were up 3.7% on the same month the previous year, when they jumped 5%.
The increase in food sales figures has been partly attributed to inflation as consumers focus more on warm meals heading into the winter months.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, head of policy and external affairs at the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “With the UK Government Budget coming later this month, retailers will be hoping the Chancellor takes steps to help hard-pressed shops and shoppers alike. With both the political and economic environment being so volatile and unpredictable right now, it’s definitely not the time to put up taxes or costs.”
Paul Martin, UK head of retail for the accounting firm KPMG, said: “The final few months of the year can be a double-edged sword for many retailers as they need to entice shoppers on Black Friday and in the run-up to Christmas whilst avoiding overly generous promotional offers.”
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