The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has suggested that there have been some encouraging signs for retailers north of the border in recent weeks, despite a drop in sales last month.
According to the latest SRC-KPMG Scottish Retail Sales Monitor, total sales were down by 1.3 per cent last month from the same point in 2010. While food sales showed some signs of improvement, like-for-like sales were down by 2.1 per cent year-on-year.
“Retailers in Scotland have had an exceptionally tough year, worse than the UK as a whole,” said SRC director Ian Shearer. “There are signs that significant Christmas shopping was under way this weekend, although margins are being cut to the bone.”
Mr Shearer expressed hopes that the festive season should provide some “much-needed cheer” for Scottish retailers, but warned the impending increase in business rates could prove “damaging” for business come the start of next year.
Earlier this week, retail guru Mary Portas called on local and central government to work towards implementing a raft of new schemes aimed at revitalising Britain’s struggling high streets.
