January brings boost to Scottish retailers, figures show

Retailers in Scotland benefited from a trading boost last month as shoppers took advantage of the January sales, according to the latest figures.

Total sales in Scotland increased by 1.8% last month compared with January 2024, when they had grown 1.9%, the SRC-KPMG Scottish Retail Sales Monitor showed.

This was above the three-month average of 0.0% and above the 12-month average decrease of 0.4%. Adjusted for inflation, there was a year-on-year increase of 2.2%.

On a like-for-like basis, Scottish sales increased by 1.1% compared with January last year, when they had increased by 1.2%.

This was above the three-month average increase of 0.4% and above the 12-month average decline of 0.3%.

Total food sales increased 2.5% compared to January 2024, when they had increased by 5.4%. This was above the three-month average increase of 1.1% and above the 12-month average growth of 0.5%.

Total non-food sales increased by 0.6% in January compared with last year, when they had decreased by 1.0%. This was above the three-month average decrease of 0.9% and a 12-month decrease of 1.2%.

Adjusted for the estimated effect of online sales, total non-food sales increased by 1.6% in January compared to January 2024, when they had decreased by 2.9%.

Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the SRC: “Scottish shoppers took advantage of the January sales giving retailers a trading boost in January.

“Adjusting for inflation, Scottish retail sales rose by 2.2% as consumers braved the winter weather to give stores a boost. However, this year was compared to a relatively weak January 2024.

“Food sales did well, with Scottish favourites performing well for Burns Night.

“In non-food, fashion and footwear performed reasonably as consumers both took advantage of discounts as well as returning unwanted Christmas gifts, whilst homewares did well with Scots spending much of the month indoors.

“Combined with surprisingly robust footfall figures last week, retailers can look forward to February with a smidgeon of optimism.

“Valentines should provide an opportunity for retailers, especially for sales of fragrances, flowers and chocolates.

“The hope will be sales can pick up a little momentum after the disappointments of 2024.”

Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG, said: “While 2025 started with retail sales growth in January, when viewed over a three-month period that included Christmas and Black Friday, non-food sales have fallen in Scotland. The golden quarter failed to shine.

“The trading environment remains tough for retailers, with consumer demand still subdued and household essential bills still high.

“Business costs are also coming under pressure, with rising employment costs only increasing that in the coming months.

“Boardroom focus on costs and competitiveness is sharpening. Pricing adjustments, product launches, store closures, job losses, and increased automation and AI are all set to reshape the retail landscape in 2025.”