Total sales in Scotland increased by 1.9% compared with October 2024, when they had decreased by 0.7%, revealed the SRC-KPMG Scottish Retail Sales Monitor (4 weeks 5 October – 1 November 2025). This was above the three-month average increase of 1.4% and above the 12-month average increase of 0.7%. Adjusted for inflation, there was a year-on-year increase of 1.0%.
Total Food sales in Scotland increased by 2.7% compared with October 2024, when they had decreased by 1.2%. This was above the 3-month average increase of 1.1% and above the 12-month average increase of 0.3%.
Total Non-Food sales in Scotland increased by 1.3% compared with October 2024, when they had decreased by 0.3%. This was below the 3-month average increase of 1.7% and above the 12-month average increase of 1.0%.
Adjusted for the effect of online sales, Non-Food sales in Scotland increased by 1.2% compared with October 2024, when they had decreased by 0.1%. This was below the 3-month average increase of 2.1% and below the 12-month average increase of 1.5%.
David Lonsdale, Director, Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
“October saw a modest but welcome further improvement in Scottish retail sales which edged up for a fourth consecutive month. This was the best monthly performance since April and an encouraging start to the golden quarter of trading, albeit to an extent was driven by shop price inflation rather than increased sales volumes.
“Homeware and furniture fared well as did food and festive-related purchases of decorations and items such as wrapping paper. However, clothing retailers reported challenges selling winter clothing due to the variable weather and Halloween related purchases were so-so. Sales of electrical goods underwhelmed, perhaps reflecting consumers holding back in anticipation of Black Friday discounting.
“With Christmas just around the corner we ought to be seeing a more confident mood amongst Scotland’s retailers. However, twin threats are to the fore. Firstly, consumer confidence remains shaky and won’t be helped by mooted increases in personal taxation which would lessen the amount people have available to spend in shops. The second threat is the risk of inaction on business rates. Wales and England are cutting business rates for shops permanently from April but there is an absence of any plan here in Scotland. Without a rates reduction for all retailers here in Scotland there could well be direct consequences for commercial investment and the state of our high streets, as destinations elsewhere in GB become considerably more attractive and cost-effective locations to invest in.”
