Grocery sales in Scotland have seen their highest increase in 24 years, bolstered entirely by rising food prices, new figures have shown.
The figures released by the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and KPMG also show food sales increased by 13.3% year-on-year in February.
Director of the SRC, David Lonsdale, said: “Scottish retail sales held up better than expected in February. Whilst the real terms growth rate was admittedly slight, it was nonetheless in positive territory for a fourth consecutive month.
“However, the challenges for retail are far from being in the rear-view mirror and the costs crunch affecting households and firms could make for a bumpy few months ahead.”
Paul Martin, UK head of retail at KPMG, added: “Price and promotional strategies continue to be increasingly important growth engines for retailers looking to remain profitable and gain an edge over competitors.
“The outlook continues to be challenging with falling consumer spending in real terms and as more people choose to shop by ‘occasion’, retailers will be pulling out the stops for a buoyant Easter and Mothers’ Day.”
