Total retail sales in Scotland in November increased by 4.4% on a year-on-year basis. This is slightly stronger than recent months. On a like-for-like basis, sales growth was 1.6%, very similar to the last two months. Anecdotal reports suggest a slow start to November but some firmer growth in the last week.
Sector Performance in November
Food & drink : Sales were stronger than in the past few months, helped by Halloween but also by the widespread promotions and discount offers. Shoppers were increasingly value-conscious and began stocking-up on Christmas offers on beer and confectionery.
Clothing : Overall sales were better than in the past few months, though still worse than a year ago. Cold weather did help winter accessories and knitwear – with cashmere popular as a Christmas gift – but coats and suits were often disappointing, as shoppers tended to wait for more wintry weather and/or sales discounts. Younger fashions continued to do better than upmarket classic ranges. Occasionwear had a slow start to the party season.
Footwear : Sales showed some improvement, helped by the colder weather and promotions, but on the whole remained weaker than a year ago. Women's footwear was difficult, apart from some good sales of boots, especially knee-high styles. Men's were good for some, with premium and designer ranges popular, but strong competition in more basic lines. Children's school shoes and boots did better than party styles.
Furniture and carpets : Furniture sales were mixed, with good sales of beds, tables and chairs for some, but others resorting to discounts to gain sales, for smaller items as well as big-ticket. Floorcoverings struggled and tended to be for replacement or upgrading small areas rather than refurbishing the whole house. Rugs improved especially Persian types.
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