Chamber News
Retailers face toughest festive season in a decade
17 November 2022 • Sarah Medcraf
Scottish retailers are facing possibly their toughest festive season in a decade amid high inflation and skyrocketing costs, a report has found.
The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) reported total sales rose last month by 6.3%, compared with October 2021.
However, adjusted for inflation, the year-on-year change was -0.3%.
Experts said sales volumes in most categories, both online and in store, fell as consumers adjusted to shrinking household incomes.
Without taking inflation into account, total food sales increased by 10.9% in October, while non-food sales saw an increase of 2.4%.
SRC said food sales volumes continued to fall, creating a "knock-on effect" on more discretionary retail spending.
The consortium found purchases of energy-saving items, such as air fryers for cooking and blankets, held up well.
But clothing sales in particular were poor, turning in the weakest performance since February, with customers failing to refresh autumn wardrobes.