Homewares & DIY : Homewares sales continued to suffer, even in some cases with discounts and promotions. Basic essentials of cookware and linens were preferred to larger luxury items. DIY sales remained tough: with footfall lower than last year, most stores resorted to promotions and discount weekends to drive sales, especially for larger purchases such as fitted kitchens and bathrooms.
Health & beauty : Sales remained tough, although often better than in the UK. Colder weather and promotions boosted healthcare such as cough/cold remedies and vitamins. Toiletries and cosmetics were more difficult, with persistent price competition in basic core lines between specialists and supermarkets, but some good sales of premium products. Fragrances and gift packs were popular as Christmas presents.
The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) was launched in April 1999 as a retail trade association for the full range of retailers in Scotland, from the major high street retailers and supermarkets to a number of trade associations representing smaller retailers. The SRC's parent association is the British Retail Consortium (BRC) based in London and Brussels.
The British Retail Consortium
marketing@alchempro.com
