Total sales in Scotland increased by 3.3% compared with January 2025, when they had increased by 1.5%, the SRC-KPMG Scottish Retail Sales Monitor (four weeks from 4-31 Jan 2026] has revealed.
This was above the 3-month average increase of 1.2% and above the 12-month average increase of 1.0%. Adjusted for inflation, there was a year-on-year increase of 1.7%.
Total Food sales in Scotland increased by 2.0% compared with January 2025, when they had increased by 2.5%. This was above the 3-month average increase of 1.2% and above the 12-month average increase of 0.3%.
Total Non-Food sales in Scotland increased by 4.4% compared with January 2025, when they had increased by 0.6%. This was above the 3-month average increase of 1.2% and above the 12-month average increase of 1.5%.
Adjusted for the effect of online sales, Non-Food sales in Scotland increased by 4.9% compared with January 2025, when they had increased by 1.6%. This was above the 3-month average increase of 1.3% and above the 12-month average increase of 2.0%.
Ewan MacDonald-Russell, Deputy Head of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
“January may have brought some dismal weather to Scotland but at least shopkeepers enjoyed a bright start to 2026 with sales increasing by 1.7 per cent in real terms. This was the best performance since April 2025, albeit the figures benefitted from comparison with the storm-hit figures last year.
“After a middling 2025 this is a bright start to the new year. However, with January being a traditionally fallow month even these sales will do little to bolster balance sheets after a disappointing peak trading season. Retailers will hope this is the start of sustained growth, rather than a one-off.”
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure, KPMG, said:
“The year started well for the retail sector in Scotland, with welcome sales growth. January sales enticed consumers to spend, with personal electronics, furniture, and children’s clothes and toys, all among the best performing categories. New year health and personal care goals led to related spending, including on wellness focussed food and drink items.
“Many of Scotland’s retailers will be pleased that their promotional strategies worked in January, but they remain acutely aware of the challenge of consistently growing sales volumes when consumers continue to be cautious about, and savvy with, their spending.”
